Los Angeles, California — Blake Lively’s legal team filed a motion on Monday seeking sanctions against Justin Baldoni and his associates for allegedly making unfounded claims about the actress. The request highlights ongoing tensions between Lively and her co-star from the film It Ends With Us, intensifying their legal struggle.
In documents acquired by media outlets, Lively is asking for attorneys’ fees and costs, along with a formal reprimand against Baldoni’s legal representatives for what she describes as baseless accusations aimed at harassing her and manipulating public perception. The motion specifically names Baldoni’s lawyers: Steve Sarowitz, Jamey Heath, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel.
The filing also criticizes what Lively’s attorneys have termed a "ghoulish taunt." Earlier this month, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, suggested in a media statement that Lively’s deposition could take place at Madison Square Garden, with the option of selling tickets or streaming the event. This remark has been met with backlash, portraying it as a mockery of serious legal proceedings.
Moreover, Lively’s legal representatives allege that Freedman’s previous submissions included "two letters and an affidavit" that were so inflammatory they were struck from the court record. They accuse him of continuously using the media to target Lively, including claims that her legal team attempted to extort a public statement from pop star Taylor Swift linked to the ongoing disputes.
In a statement released through media channels, attorneys Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb suggested that Freedman’s recent comments may be a distraction, asserting that he and his clients are aware of impending sanctions due to what they characterize as reckless legal maneuvers.
The attorneys emphasized that filing claims without a legal basis to create a negative media narrative is unacceptable. They assert that Baldoni’s legal team was warned about their conduct, yet persisted with their claims.
Baldoni’s representatives have not responded promptly to inquiries concerning these latest developments.
Tensions between Lively and Baldoni have escalated since December, when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us, as well as involvement in a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has firmly denied these allegations and subsequently countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist for civil extortion and defamation. The case is scheduled for trial in March 2026.
Recent legal maneuvers have also implicated Taylor Swift, as a subpoena was issued related to the lawsuit. Swift’s spokesperson expressed dissatisfaction with the subpoena, clarifying that her involvement was limited to licensing a single song for the film. Swift’s legal team has requested the court to dismiss the subpoena, labeling it an "abuse of the discovery process" intended to divert attention from the ongoing case.
This contentious legal battle continues to develop as both sides prepare for what promises to be a high-profile courtroom confrontation in the coming years.
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