Blake Lively’s legal battle tied to It Ends With Us has taken another sharp turn. The actor’s lawyers have filed a motion for sanctions against the legal team representing Justin Baldoni, accusing them of disruptive behaviour during depositions and crossing boundaries with inappropriate lines of questioning.
What Triggered the Latest Filing
According to Lively’s side, Baldoni’s attorneys repeatedly laughed, delivered lengthy speeches, delayed proceedings, and wasted deposition time instead of allowing witnesses to testify smoothly. The complaint escalated after a recent deposition involving Nicole Alexander, a defense expert, which Lively’s lawyers say was derailed by unnecessary interruptions and prolonged objections.
They’ve described the conduct as part of an ongoing pattern of deposition misconduct, not an isolated incident.
Disputed Questions & Legal Red Lines
A major point of contention is the defense’s questioning around Lively’s romantic and sexual history. Her lawyers have firmly objected, stating such inquiries have no relevance to her harassment and retaliation claims.
They’ve also invoked the rape shield law, which is designed to protect alleged victims from being questioned about their sexual past. In earlier correspondence to Baldoni’s legal team — including attorney Bryan Freedman — Lively’s lawyers made it clear they would not tolerate that line of examination.
A Case Already Filled With Legal Clashes
This isn’t the first time Lively’s team has sought court intervention. Previous motions accused Baldoni’s lawyers of trying the case in the media and withholding evidence during discovery. The dispute has steadily grown more contentious as both sides dig in.
On the other side, Baldoni’s legal team has filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing that Lively’s claims amount to little more than minor workplace complaints and should be dismissed entirely. Lively’s lawyers strongly disagree, saying the director-actor is attempting to avoid responsibility for creating a hostile work environment on set.
What Happens Next
The court has scheduled a mandatory settlement conference for February 11, though expectations of a quick resolution remain low. The trial, initially planned for March, has already been pushed to May 18.
Judge Lewis Liman is expected to hear arguments on the summary judgment request and at least one sanctions motion on January 22, a date that could significantly shape the direction of the case.
Final Words
What began as a workplace dispute tied to a high-profile film has now turned into a full-blown legal showdown — one that’s growing sharper with every filing. Whether the court reins in courtroom conduct or pushes the case closer to trial, the It Ends With Us controversy is far from its final chapter.
