In a recent update to the ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni and his production company, a federal judge has now ruled in Blake’s favour. According to E! News, Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the actress’s request for a protective order on July 14 – three days after her legal team filed the motion.
As per the court documents, Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios are now required to reveal the names of everyone attending Lively’s deposition, scheduled for July 17. On the other hand, Blake must make arrangements for Baldoni’s team to have a dedicated computer and access to printing and copying facilities at the location she chooses for the deposition.
Lively’s lawyers argued that Baldoni’s team previously “refused Ms. Lively’s reasonable requests” to coordinate on basic logistics. In the July 11 filing, they stated, “Defendants have not denied that their intent is to manufacture a harassing publicity stunt by requiring Ms. Lively to parade through paparazzi,” adding concerns over unknown attendees such as media or influencers potentially being present.
“Despite Ms. Lively’s repeated efforts to confer,” the filing continued, “Defendants have refused to address these concerns and have responded only with their insistence that they alone control all logistics and security issues.”
On July 13, Justin Baldoni’s attorneys submitted a response opposing the motion. “Lively relies solely on inapplicable authority and unsupported accusations about opposing counsel and their motives,” they wrote, arguing that Lively lacked evidence for her claims. They added, “Although Lively’s foot-stomping and use of her celebrity status may have enabled her to seize control of the film, which is the crux of this dispute, her counsel’s tantrum has no place in this Court.”
Blake Lively had earlier filed a lawsuit in December, accusing Baldoni and his team of harassment and launching a media smear campaign. A countersuit filed by Baldoni was dismissed last month. As the case continues to unfold, the upcoming deposition on July 17 remains crucial.
With the court granting Blake Lively some relief through this protective order, the tension between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to draw attention as both sides prepare for the next legal step.
