Blake Lively Slams Shames Justin Baldonis Lawyers Over Making Her Deposition Public Leaking Details Of Last Weeks Sit- Down For Media Campaign

Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 23:26 GMT by Deadline.com
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Blake Lively's deposition last week in her sexual harassment suit against Justin Baldoni is now the latest battlefield in the bitter legal struggle

Explosive Details Emerge as Justin Baldoni's Deposition in Blake Lively Lawsuit Goes Public

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing legal battle between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, stemming from their collaboration on the film *It Ends With Us*, a key deposition from Baldoni has been made public, shedding new light on the allegations of misconduct, harassment, and a toxic work environment. The deposition, which was unsealed as part of the broader lawsuit filed by Lively against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, reveals Baldoni's side of the story in stark detail. This development comes amid a flurry of counterclaims, public relations skirmishes, and intense media scrutiny that has captivated the entertainment industry and beyond. As the case unfolds, it highlights deeper issues within Hollywood regarding power dynamics, creative control, and the treatment of women in film production.

The origins of the conflict trace back to the production of *It Ends With Us*, a 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel about domestic abuse and resilience. Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film alongside Lively, initially positioned the project as a sensitive exploration of heavy themes. However, tensions reportedly arose early on, with Lively accusing Baldoni of creating an unsafe and hostile set environment. In her lawsuit, filed in late 2024, Lively detailed claims of sexual harassment, inappropriate behavior, and attempts to undermine her creative input. She alleged that Baldoni made unwanted advances, fat-shamed her during a scene involving physical intimacy, and engaged in retaliatory actions after she raised concerns. These accusations were amplified by a bombshell report in *The New York Times*, which Baldoni later sued over, claiming defamation and alleging that Lively's team orchestrated a smear campaign to damage his reputation.

Baldoni's newly public deposition, conducted over several hours in a Los Angeles courtroom, provides a counter-narrative that paints Lively as a demanding collaborator who sought undue control over the film's direction and marketing. In his sworn testimony, Baldoni vehemently denies all allegations of harassment, describing them as "fabricated" and part of a larger strategy to shift blame for the film's behind-the-scenes drama. He recounts specific incidents that Lively cited in her complaint, offering alternative explanations. For instance, regarding the claim that he lingered too long during a kissing scene and made inappropriate comments about her body, Baldoni insists it was a professional discussion about authenticity in portraying the characters' relationship. "I was focused on the scene's emotional truth," he testified. "Any perception of impropriety is a misunderstanding amplified by external pressures."

Delving deeper into the deposition, Baldoni elaborates on the power struggles that plagued the production. He describes Lively as arriving on set with a entourage of advisors, including her husband Ryan Reynolds, who allegedly influenced script changes and marketing decisions. Baldoni claims this led to creative clashes, such as disputes over the film's ending and promotional materials. "Blake wanted a version of the film that aligned more with her personal brand," Baldoni stated under oath. "It felt like my vision as director was being overridden." He further alleges that Lively's team leaked negative stories to the press to portray him as the villain, especially after the film's release, which grossed over $300 million worldwide but was overshadowed by controversy.

One of the most revealing sections of the deposition involves Baldoni's interactions with other cast and crew members. He references emails and text messages that he says demonstrate a collaborative atmosphere, countering Lively's portrayal of isolation and fear. For example, Baldoni points to communications with the film's intimacy coordinator, who reportedly signed off on all sensitive scenes without raising red flags. "If there were issues, they would have been addressed immediately," he emphasized. However, Lively's legal team has challenged this, arguing that the coordinator was pressured by Baldoni's production company and that her reports were incomplete.

The deposition also touches on broader industry implications, with Baldoni expressing frustration over what he calls "trial by social media." He accuses Lively of weaponizing her celebrity status and connections— including ties to powerful figures like Taylor Swift, whose music featured in the film—to amplify her narrative. "This isn't about justice; it's about optics," Baldoni testified. He details how the controversy affected his personal life, including threats to his family and professional ostracism. In a poignant moment, Baldoni reflects on his advocacy work against domestic violence, noting the irony that a film meant to empower survivors has devolved into a public feud.

Legal experts following the case suggest that the public release of this deposition could be a turning point. By making Baldoni's testimony accessible, the court may be signaling a push for transparency in high-profile disputes. Lively's attorneys have responded by filing motions to unseal additional documents, including Baldoni's communications with publicists and crisis managers. They argue that these will further substantiate her claims of a coordinated effort to discredit her. Meanwhile, Baldoni's countersuit against *The New York Times* alleges that the publication relied on biased sources and failed to verify facts, seeking damages for what he describes as "reckless journalism."

The fallout from *It Ends With Us* extends beyond the courtroom. The film, despite its commercial success, has sparked debates about on-set safety protocols, particularly for projects dealing with sensitive topics like abuse. Industry insiders note that this case echoes previous MeToo-era reckonings, such as those involving Harvey Weinstein or Joss Whedon, where allegations of misconduct led to broader calls for reform. Baldoni, in his deposition, positions himself as a victim of cancel culture, claiming that the accusations have derailed his career. "I've dedicated my life to storytelling that matters," he said. "This has been devastating."

Public reaction to the deposition's release has been polarized. Supporters of Lively, bolstered by her image as a relatable everywoman through roles in *Gossip Girl* and *A Simple Favor*, have rallied on social media with hashtags like #BelieveBlake, emphasizing the importance of taking women's complaints seriously in male-dominated industries. Conversely, Baldoni's defenders argue that the deposition exposes a rush to judgment, urging a more nuanced view of complex interpersonal dynamics on film sets.

As the lawsuit progresses toward a potential trial, both parties are ramping up their strategies. Lively has enlisted high-profile legal representation known for handling celebrity disputes, while Baldoni's team is pushing for mediation to avoid further public spectacle. The deposition includes Baldoni's admissions of regret over certain decisions, such as not addressing rumors sooner, but he remains steadfast in his denial of wrongdoing. "I stand by my actions and my integrity," he concluded.

This unfolding saga serves as a cautionary tale for Hollywood, illustrating how quickly professional collaborations can sour into legal battles. With more documents likely to surface, the full truth may yet emerge, but for now, Baldoni's deposition offers a compelling, if contested, glimpse into the chaos behind one of the year's most talked-about films. The case not only affects the individuals involved but also raises questions about accountability, consent, and the ethics of power in creative endeavors. As fans and critics alike await the next chapter, the intersection of art, commerce, and personal vendettas continues to dominate headlines, reminding us that in the world of showbusiness, the drama off-screen can eclipse what's on it.

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[ https://deadline.com/2025/08/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-deposition-public-1236478234/ ]

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Blake Lively Slams Shames Justin Baldonis Lawyers Over Making Her Deposition Public Leaking Details Of Last Weeks Sit- Down For Media Campaign

Explosive Details Emerge as Justin Baldoni's Deposition in Blake Lively Lawsuit Goes Public