NEW YORK (AP) — A lawyer representing actor Blake Lively requested strict guidelines from a federal judge on Thursday to prevent individuals associated with Justin Baldoni from obtaining personal or intimate information regarding Lively or other celebrities as litigation progresses on her sexual harassment claims against her co-star in “It Ends With Us.” The case is moving toward trial as Lively seeks unspecified damages for alleged sexual harassment and attacks on her reputation, while Baldoni has countersued for defamation and extortion, seeking at least $400 million in damages.
During a telephone conference with Judge Lewis J. Liman, Lively’s lawyer, Meryl Governski, emphasized the need for certain materials to be shared only between legal teams to safeguard her client and others involved in the case. Governski voiced concerns about potential evidence being misused, stating that some defendants in Lively’s lawsuit appeared to be operating with an unlimited budget to tarnish the lives of Lively and her family.
The lawyer highlighted the urgency of maintaining confidentiality over specific categories of information, especially medical details and private conversations with unrelated parties. Governski expressed worries about the exploitation of such information by the defendants for public relations purposes, noting the minimal evidentiary value such disclosures may hold. She emphasized the potential harm of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands, particularly involving third parties unrelated to the case.
In response, Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni and his production company, downplayed Governski’s concerns, indicating that the judge’s proposed order to keep evidence confidential among attorneys was adequate. Freedman argued for equal treatment in handling the case, irrespective of the parties’ celebrity status, asserting that his clients should have access to all evidence to mount a proper defense. However, he acknowledged the possibility of restricting access to certain materials upon specific requests from Lively’s legal team.
Judge Liman hinted at the importance of public access to court proceedings but acknowledged the need to ensure a fair trial, warning against inflammatory public statements by the involved parties. As discussions continue on the case, with a trial scheduled for March 9, 2026, the judge remains vigilant about upholding due process and judicial transparency.
“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, has been at the center of speculation regarding discord between Lively and Baldoni. Despite the movie’s successful release, earning $50 million in its debut, rumors surrounding the co-stars have overshadowed its achievements. Lively, known for her roles in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Gossip Girl,” faces a legal battle that has drawn significant attention in the entertainment industry, while Baldoni’s work in TV and film adds layers of complexity to the unfolding story.