The courtroom is about to get a little more star-studded as Blake Lively takes on Justin Baldoni in a heated legal showdown. The actress, known for her roles in Hollywood blockbusters, is accusing Baldoni of trying to dodge responsibility for creating what she describes as a "hostile environment" on the set of their film, "It Ends With Us." Lively and her legal team are pushing back hard against Baldoni's recent move to sidestep a trial with a summary judgment motion.
“In their latest effort to avoid accountability for the hostile environment they created during the production and marketing of It Ends With Us, Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, and their co-defendants ask this Court to shield them from trial, and deny Blake Lively her day in court, by throwing the kitchen sink at Lively’s sexual harassment and retaliation claims,” reads Lively's filing, as reported by Deadline.
Lively's filing paints a vivid picture of her work environment, arguing that despite her star status, she was under the thumb of Baldoni and his crew. According to the documents, they controlled her schedule, salary, and overall working conditions. The filing also accuses Baldoni and his close associate, Jamey Heath, of using their friendship to cover up misconduct.
The legal battle began in December 2024 when Lively first lodged her complaint. Since then, the back-and-forth legal maneuvering has become a central focus for both stars.
Mark your calendars for March 9th, when the trial is slated to begin. With Lively seeking a whopping $500 million in damages, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both Lively and Baldoni are expected to testify, and the courtroom might see appearances from other celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift, and Hugh Jackman, adding extra glitter to an already high-profile case.