Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Submit Key Motions Ahead of Federal Trial
As the scheduled trial date approaches, the stars of the film adaptation 'It Ends With Us' have proactively filed legal motions in a New York City federal court. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are preparing for proceedings set to begin next month, with both parties seeking to shape the narrative and evidence presented to the jury.
Baldoni's Team Seeks to Exclude Past Client References and Co-Star Testimony
According to reports from Deadline, Justin Baldoni and his crisis public relations team, led by Melissa Nathan, have formally requested the court to exclude any mention of their previous high-profile clients. The motion argues that references to celebrities such as actor Johnny Depp, rappers Drake and Travis Scott, professional wrestler Logan Paul, and actress Rebel Wilson are irrelevant and prejudicial to the current case.
The legal filing explicitly states, "Any services that Nathan rendered for actor Johnny Depp in connection with his high-profile defamation litigation against ex-wife Amber Heard, for other celebrities... or for other clients are irrelevant to whether she aided and abetted the purported smear campaign at issue herein, as alleged by Lively." Additionally, Baldoni's legal representatives are seeking to prevent testimony from fellow 'It Ends With Us' actors Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer from being heard by the jury.
Lively Requests Exclusion of Net Worth and 'Deadpool' Character References
On the opposing side, Blake Lively has filed her own motions, as reported by TMZ. The actress is requesting that all evidence regarding her and husband Ryan Reynolds' net worth and financial status be barred from the trial. Legal documents indicate concerns that such information could unduly influence the jury's perception of her claims.
Lively has alleged losses exceeding USD 161 million as a direct result of the purported smear campaign. However, with the judge previously dismissing her defamation and sexual harassment allegations earlier this month, the relevance of her claimed compensation remains unclear. Despite this, she retains the right to present claims related to retaliation and a hostile work environment on the film set.
Furthermore, Lively has sought to block any mention of Reynolds' "Nicepool" character from the upcoming film 'Deadpool & Wolverine'. Baldoni's team had reportedly intended to reference this character to argue about the couple's alleged bullying behavior. TMZ notes that a judge had already ruled this evidence as irrelevant to the case.
Background and Upcoming Proceedings
The legal battle stems from allegations of a 2024 online smear campaign against Blake Lively, with claims including retaliation, breach of contract, and aiding and abetting. Both parties have consistently filed motions as the trial date nears, though the possibility of a last-minute settlement remains on the table.
The trial is currently expected to commence on May 18 in a federal court in New York City. As both sides continue their legal preparations, the outcome of these pre-trial motions could significantly impact the direction and focus of the courtroom proceedings.
