Justin Baldoni is taking a firm stand in the legal dispute with Blake Lively, challenging the actress’ request for heightened protection and privacy in their ongoing case. 

The dispute, which began after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us, 

has now escalated into a back-and-forth between the two, with both parties battling over claims, legal filings, and media exposure.

In a court filing obtained by Fox News Digital, Baldoni’s legal team expressed surprise at Lively’s request for greater protections, 

given that they believe she has already publicly discussed and even publicized the allegations of sexual harassment. 

The filing, which was submitted to the court on February 20, 2025, 

specifically points out that Lively and her legal team have been actively involved in publicizing her claims, thus contradicting her desire to keep certain court materials confidential.

The filing reads, “Given how actively the Lively Parties have publicized and litigated Ms. Lively’s claims in the media, we are surprised to now learn how vehemently she wants to prevent the public from accessing material and relevant evidence.” Baldoni’s attorneys further argue that, while Lively is seeking protections from the public release of court documents, she has already made the details of the alleged harassment public through various media outlets and in her legal filings.

The actress’s legal team has previously shared that Lively had filed an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which is now part of the public record. Baldoni’s team also highlights several examples of Lively’s public statements that they claim were intended to rehabilitate her image in the aftermath of the It Ends With Us press tour. They specifically cite a skit featuring Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, on SNL50, where the actor made light of the sexual harassment allegations. This, they suggest, further undermines Lively’s request for privacy, as her legal team continues to make public statements related to the case.

In response to Lively’s request for heightened protections, Baldoni’s legal team stated that they supported the court’s standard protective order, but argued that the “attorneys’ eyes only” (AEO) designation for discovery was unnecessary. They also criticized Lively’s amended complaint, which spanned 138 pages and almost 500 paragraphs, saying it had already provided extensive details of the alleged harassment.

Lively’s request for stronger protections stems from threats and harassment she and others associated with the case have reportedly received. According to Lively’s legal team, following the filing of her amended complaint, several of her supporters, including family members and cast members from the film, received violent and threatening messages. One example cited in the court filing is a specific threat made against a fact witness who had publicly supported Lively. The witness reportedly received a message threatening violence against their family unless they changed their testimony. This, Lively’s legal team argues, creates a need for increased protections to safeguard the well-being of all involved in the case.

Lively’s lawyers have argued that releasing certain discovery documents could lead to significant harm, including violation of privacy, witness intimidation, and exposure to further threats. They stress that the emotional and physical safety of those involved in the case should be prioritized, as the ongoing harassment puts not just Lively at risk, but also her family and those who have supported her.

The contentious back-and-forth between Lively and Baldoni began after Lively filed a complaint in December 2024 alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and other grievances against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath. In her filing, Lively claimed that Baldoni had engaged in unwelcome behavior on set and caused significant emotional distress. Baldoni, however, responded with his own lawsuit, denying the allegations and accusing Lively of making false claims to repair her public image after the difficulties surrounding the film’s press tour.

As the legal battle continues, Lively has recently amended her complaint, stating that two female cast members are willing to testify to Baldoni’s alleged inappropriate behavior on set. However, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has dismissed the amended complaint as “unsubstantial hearsay,” casting doubt on the credibility of these new allegations.

This ongoing legal conflict has drawn attention from the media, with both sides fighting fiercely for their respective narratives to be heard. The case has not only brought significant legal and personal challenges to both Baldoni and Lively, but it has also sparked conversations about workplace behavior, harassment, and the implications of public accusations in the entertainment industry.

As the case unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain. Both parties continue to present their sides in court, with the fate of their legal dispute now resting in the hands of the judiciary. Lively’s request for greater protections remains a pivotal issue in the ongoing legal proceedings, as the actress seeks to balance her safety and privacy against the need for transparency in the legal process.

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