Blake Lively’s legal team has responded to the recent release of It Ends With Us footage by Justin Baldoni’s lawyer. They claim the video supports Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment. The footage shows the actors during a slow-dance scene and has become a key focus in their ongoing legal battle.
Here’s what we know about the statements made by Lively’s legal team and the unfolding dispute between the co-stars.
Blake Lively addresses Justin Baldoni’s release of It Ends With Us clips
Blake Lively’s legal team has requested a gag order against Justin Baldoni’s lawyer following the release of unedited footage from It Ends With Us, claiming that the footage contradicts Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment.
Lively’s team argues that Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has made statements that could influence the jury pool and undermine the case. “His conduct threatens to, and will, materially prejudice both the Lively Case and the Wayfarer Case by tainting the jury pool,” they stated (via FOX News).
The footage, released by Baldoni’s lawyer, shows the actors filming a slow-dance scene with no dialogue. Baldoni’s team claims this refutes Lively’s allegations. The video begins with a statement explaining, “The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another.” It further asserts that both actors were behaving with mutual respect and professionalism.
Lively’s legal team described the footage as “damning evidence” supporting her allegations. They argued that the video shows Baldoni engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as attempting to kiss Lively and caress her without consent. There was no intimacy coordinator present. “Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance,” the statement said.
The legal conflict began when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during the filming of It Ends With Us. Baldoni has denied the allegations. He also filed his own lawsuits, including one against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist. The case is still ongoing in federal court.
