Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal teams were in federal court on Monday, February 3, 2025, 

discussing what can and cannot be shared with the public regarding their ongoing legal battle. 

This session, centered around a potential gag order and accusations of misconduct, has put the spotlight on the complicated dynamics of the case, 

which stems from Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment during the filming of *It Ends With Us*.

The case has seen significant public attention, particularly following Lively’s claims of harassment and retaliation from Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath. 

A major point of contention in court on Monday was whether either side could speak to the press in ways that could influence potential jurors. 

The judge emphasized that both teams must abide by the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which limit any statements to the media that could harm the fairness of the trial. While attorneys are allowed to defend their clients against unfair media narratives, they must ensure that their comments do not “substantially prejudice” a jury.

Lively’s attorneys, led by Michael Gottlieb, have argued that Baldoni’s legal team, particularly Bryan Freedman, has been speaking to the media in ways that could harm Lively’s case. They claim that Freedman has been making statements that attack Lively’s character, which could sway public opinion. In contrast, Freedman, representing Baldoni, fired back, arguing that the media coverage had already been skewed in Lively’s favor. He cited a New York Times article that Baldoni’s team later sued for defamation, accusing Lively’s camp of orchestrating negative press coverage.

The dispute has been tense, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the media war. Freedman stated in court that Lively’s team made their initial media statements first, and once something is said, it often becomes perceived as fact. He also pointed out that when the allegations first hit the press, public opinion quickly turned, forcing his client to defend his reputation publicly.

Despite the heated exchanges, Freedman expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the hearing. “Our clients are devastated and want to move the case along as quickly as possible,” Freedman said to reporters outside the courtroom. He continued, “We just couldn’t be more pleased with how the case was handled today, how it was managed.” On the other side, Lively’s legal team voiced their contentment with the judge’s ruling, noting that they were eager to proceed with discovery and move forward in the case.

The dispute began after Lively filed her lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of *It Ends With Us*. She also alleged that Baldoni’s conduct had caused emotional distress, negligence, and a hostile work environment. Specifically, she cited disturbing incidents from an “all-hands” meeting, in which various boundaries regarding nudity, personal topics, and workplace conduct were allegedly disregarded. The actress claimed Baldoni and Heath violated these boundaries, including making inappropriate comments about her weight, her deceased father, and personal matters related to sex.

In response, Baldoni filed a counterclaim in January 2025, denying Lively’s accusations and arguing that she was attempting to repair her reputation after a tumultuous press tour surrounding the movie. His legal team contended that Lively’s accusations were fabricated and that no evidence of harassment existed. They have been adamant that Baldoni was unjustly accused.

The courtroom drama continued with Lively’s legal team pushing for strict adherence to the rules of professional conduct, arguing that Freedman’s media statements were intentionally undermining the case. Lively’s attorney, Esra Hudson, reiterated the seriousness of the accusations, saying, “This case deals with serious allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. We will hold the defendants accountable, and we are confident that once all the evidence is submitted in this matter, Ms. Lively will prevail.”

As the case progresses, both parties have made it clear that they are determined to press forward with their legal claims. The protective order, which is set to be finalized by March 11, 2025, will provide additional guidelines on what can and cannot be said in the public eye. With a trial scheduled for March 2026, the legal teams will need to navigate this high-profile case with care to ensure that their clients receive a fair trial, free from outside influence.

In the meantime, the public will likely continue to see legal battles, media statements, and public disputes unfold as Lively and Baldoni work to resolve their differences in court. The outcome of this case could have significant consequences for both their careers and reputations in the entertainment industry.

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