Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal dispute has become a widely discussed topic, and a recently filed deposition transcript has drawn attention. According to the transcript, Lively directly accused Baldoni’s attorney of helping to run a smear campaign against her. In the deposition, held in New York on July 31, Lively answered questions from Baldoni’s legal team, including his attorney, Bryan Freedman.
Blake Lively reportedly blames ‘defendants’ for running ‘smear campaign’ against her
Us Weekly obtained the transcript from Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s July deposition. The transcript, filed August 11, reportedly revealed how Lively did not hold back. When Baldoni’s lawyer asked, “When did the smear campaign end?” Lively replied, “It doesn’t feel like it has ended.” When pressed further about whether the campaign was still ongoing, Lively said, “It feels that way, yeah.”
The lawyer then asked who she believed was responsible for the ongoing smear campaign. Lively replied, “I believe — outside of what I know through attorneys — I believe that the defendants are involved.” She claimed, “All of them,” specifying the defendants and adding, “And I believe you are.”
Freedman asked why she believed both the defendants and he himself were part of the alleged campaign. Lively responded, “Outside of what I know through my attorneys, I believe the act of a retaliatory lawsuit, the press coverage you have done, and the statements you have made about me and my character have felt incredibly retaliatory.” The lawyer asked for specific actions by the other defendants. Lively responded, “Like I said, outside of conversations with my attorney, I cannot answer that.”
Among other points, the “Gossip Girl” actor’s legal team accused Baldoni’s side of leaking information about the deposition to the press. Bryan Freedman denied the accusations, stating Lively’s team provided no proof that Baldoni’s side leaked information. He noted that the source could have been Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, her attorneys and staff, or even catering staff serving lunch at the deposition.
Blake Lively’s spokesperson stated the deposition was satisfactory and intended to depose Justin Baldoni and the other defendants. The spokesperson also emphasized that deposition testimony remains confidential by law and becomes evidence only in a supervised trial. The case is scheduled for trial in March.
