Inside the Explosive Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni Legal Battle: Deposition Leaks, Alleged PR Manipulation, and the $400 Million Countersuit Drama

In a dramatic turn of events, actress Blake Lively has leveled serious allegations against Justin Baldoni and his legal team, accusing them of orchestrating a public relations campaign aimed at discrediting her.

This controversy stems from a deposition taken on July 31, 2025, in connection with Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, the production company behind their film It Ends With Us.

The Deposition and Immediate Fallout

The deposition, conducted in New York City, was attended by Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, her sister Robyn Lively, and a team of eight attorneys.

Baldoni and his attorney, Bryan Freedman, were also present.

According to Lively’s legal team, Freedman filed the full 292-page transcript of the deposition to the public docket on the same day it was received, without a plausible legal reason for doing so.

This action, they argue, was a deliberate attempt to create a media spectacle and tarnish Lively’s reputation.

Lively’s attorney, Esra Hudson, expressed in a letter to Judge Lewis Liman that the filing of the entire transcript was unnecessary and served no legitimate legal purpose.

Hudson contends that this move was a calculated effort to use the legal process as a platform for a public relations campaign, stating, “The transcript was ostensibly filed in support of their argument that there is no basis to assert that Bryan Freedman or his firm have participated in, fueled and advanced a smear campaign against Ms.

Lively such that their conduct has ‘amounted to public relations work rather than that of an attorney.’ But, in fact, this tactic perfectly demonstrates the counsel-as-PR agent role because there is no conceivable legal purpose to file the whole transcript, particularly given that it has not been reviewed, corrected or finalized, and a mere two pages of it were cited in their argument” .

Allegations of a Smear Campaign

During the deposition, Lively accused Baldoni and his legal team of being involved in an ongoing smear campaign against her.

She stated that the campaign “doesn’t feel like it’s ended” and suggested that all defendants, including Freedman, were involved.

Lively cited a retaliatory lawsuit and public statements made by Baldoni’s team as evidence of this campaign .

Her legal team further alleges that Baldoni’s side immediately leaked details from the deposition to tabloid media outlets, creating a misleading narrative about the proceedings.

They claim that the leaks portrayed Lively as needing a large contingent of people with her to testify, while suggesting that only Baldoni and Freedman were present for the deposition on their side.

In reality, Lively testified across from Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel, all of whom attended the deposition in person, as well as eight attorneys representing the Wayfarer and Wallace Parties, two of whom questioned her .

Legal Actions and Counterclaims

In response to these allegations, Lively’s legal team filed a motion for sanctions against Freedman, accusing him of making improper out-of-court statements designed to influence jurors and publicly slandering the actress.

They argue that Freedman’s actions have been biased and inflammatory, aiming to damage Lively’s character, credibility, and reputation .

Baldoni’s legal team has denied these allegations, asserting that they have not leaked any information from the deposition and that any details released were done so in accordance with legal procedures.

They argue that Lively’s claims are without merit and are part of an attempt to discredit their client .

Public Relations and Media Strategy

The legal battle has also highlighted the role of public relations in high-profile cases.

Reports indicate that Baldoni’s team increased their PR budget to $30,000 per month due to concerns that Lively might “activate” Taylor Swift’s fanbase, known as “Swifties,” in her defense.

This move underscores the significant impact that public perception can have on legal proceedings and the strategies employed by both sides to influence public opinion .

Looking Ahead

The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is far from over.

The trial is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026, and both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly continue to attract media attention, raising questions about the intersection of law, public relations, and celebrity culture.

For now, the public remains captivated by the unfolding drama, awaiting the next chapter in this high-profile legal battle.