Blake Lively is pushing back against efforts by Justin Baldoni’s legal team to turn her upcoming deposition into what she calls a “public spectacle,” as part of their ongoing legal battle.
The Gossip Girl alum’s attorneys filed a motion in New York court requesting a protective order that would block Baldoni and his legal team from choosing a high-profile location for her deposition, currently scheduled for Thursday, July 17.
The request also asks that all attendees be identified in advance, according to PEOPLE magazine.
This move comes in direct response to Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, who previously suggested holding Lively’s deposition at Madison Square Garden, even proposing to sell tickets or stream the testimony and donate the proceeds to domestic violence charities.
Lively’s reps issued a strongly worded statement Friday, saying, “Ms Lively is looking forward to her deposition next week, and it should follow the same rules as every other witness in this case.”
“Justin Baldoni’s lawyer has tried to make this matter a public spectacle at every turn, even proposing to sell tickets to a televised deposition at Madison Square Garden. This is a serious matter of sexual harassment and retaliation, and it deserves to be treated as such.”
The legal filing alleges Baldoni’s team is attempting to create ‘a harassing publicity stunt’ by inviting media, social media influencers, or other unknown individuals to attend the hearing.
“Defendants have used even the prospect of Ms Lively’s deposition to generate press interest,’ her legal team argues, further warning of ‘security risks’ and potential threats due to the case’s high-profile nature.
Lively, 37, has accused Baldoni, 41, her co-star and director on It Ends With Us, of sexual harassment and retaliation, claims he has denied.
A judge previously dismissed Baldoni’s counterclaims of extortion and defamation against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, in June.
Her legal team characterized the request for a more private venue as a “reasonable measure” to prevent further harassment, claiming Baldoni’s legal strategy is focused more on public image than the judicial process.
Justin Baldoni's attorney, however, has maintained that they intend to question Lively under oath and confront her with what he claims is contradicting evidence — including video footage, text messages, and emails.
The deposition will mark a key moment in the legal showdown between the two Hollywood stars, as both parties prepare for an eventual trial.