After a year of silence between the two legal teams, new statements from both Blake Lively’s and Justin Baldoni’s attorneys are giving an updated look at where their long-running case stands. The two actors, who worked together on “It Ends With Us,” have been locked in a highly public legal battle. Now, their lawyers are speaking publicly about the past year and what comes next.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s lawyers are finally talking about the case, claims report
A new report by PEOPLE says Blake Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, have shared their view on how the past year has unfolded. They said Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department last year after what she claims were unsafe or uncomfortable experiences during the production of “It Ends With Us.” According to her team, she wanted to take action not only for herself but also for others who they say faced similar issues.
Hudson and Gottlieb say the months since have been difficult, describing what they claim were attempts to discredit the actress through lawsuits and online criticism. They allege the pushback was a “billionaire-financed attempt to bury her, her family and her businesses.”
Still, attorneys say the 38-year-old has continued forward and is preparing for her case to head to trial in May, where she plans to address the concerns she raised.
Meanwhile, Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, also released a statement, acknowledging how exhausting the past year has been for his client. He said Baldoni is “deeply grateful for the support and kind words” he has received and believes that the “truth will ultimately prevail” as the case moves ahead.
Freedman also encouraged people to focus on kindness during the holiday season and to support those dealing with difficult situations.
The case escalated last December, when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. The latter has denied all allegations and responded with a counterclaim seeking damages, though a federal judge dismissed that countersuit in June. Meanwhile, Lively is currently seeking $160 million in damages, and both sides appear to be preparing for a lengthy trial.
