“It Ends With Us” actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni‘s legal battle recently reached a critical juncture. After Lively’s lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed that the actor will be testifying against her co-star in the March 2026 trial, Baldoni’s legal team is now putting forward a unique request for his co-star’s deposition. In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, suggested holding her deposition publicly at Madison Square Garden and selling tickets or live-streaming it for everyone to see.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyer suggests streaming or selling tickets to Blake Lively’s upcoming deposition
Justin Baldoni’s legal team wants to make Blake Lively’s testimony count. Speaking to PEOPLE, the actor’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, suggested holding Lively’s deposition in public and “sell tickets or stream it, and donate every dollar to organizations helping victims of domestic abuse.” The attorney further confirmed that his client will also take the stand at the March 2026 trial, but no cameras will be present inside.
With Lively and Baldoni testifying at the trial, the two sides have showcased their confidence. In response to confirmation that the “Another Simple Favor” actor will be testifying, Freedman expressed his readiness for her deposition. Previously, Lively’s lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, told PEOPLE that Baldoni’s side will be able to ask his client questions in discovery. Likewise, their side will also be undertaking Baldoni’s deposition.
Bryan Freedman further criticized Blake Lively for using her celebrity circle to her advantage and shifting the narrative amid her legal battle with Justin Baldoni. He claimed that his side had already shown the truth through documents, receipts, and more. Freedman continued, “Blake was the one who brought her high-profile friends into this situation without concern for their own personal or public backlash.”
The attorney also stated that Lively used her “dragons” to manipulate Baldoni. Previously, in the former’s text messages to Baldoni, she mentioned having “a few dragons.” Although she didn’t explicitly name who they were, his complaint suggested she was referring to her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and close friend Taylor Swift.
The “It Ends With Us” co-stars’ legal battle began with Blake Lively suing Justin Baldoni with a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and undertaking a smear campaign against her. The director responded with a countersuit, accusing Lively and associated individuals of defamation and civil extortion.
