Actress Blake Lively has recently requested stronger “additional protections” in her ongoing legal battle with director Justin Baldoni.
In a motion filed in the Southern District of New York, Lively’s legal team, along with her husband Ryan Reynolds, asked Judge Lewis J. Liman to approve a protective order (PO) that exceeds the court’s standard model.
The actress’s attorneys proposed an “Attorney’s Eyes Only” (AEO) category within the PO. This would apply to “Confidential Discovery Material” that is highly sensitive or personal in nature, such as information that could cause harm to business, privacy, or reputational interests if disclosed.
Lively’s team emphasized that the need for this increased protection is urgent, citing threatening and violent communications targeting Lively, her family, and others involved in the case.
The request came in light of Lively’s recently filed amended complaint against Baldoni.
According to the complaint, Lively, her family, cast members, and supporters have been subjected to violent, profane, and threatening messages. Lively’s attorneys argue that these threats underscore the need for additional safeguards.
Baldoni’s legal team responded by condemning any form of violence, stating, “We do not condone dangerous rhetoric targeted toward anyone no matter the situation.” They also claimed to have been victims of similar threats, citing death threats and harassment directed at private individuals associated with Baldoni. They stressed that these individuals, particularly those without security, should not have to face such dangerous situations.
Lively’s lawsuit, filed in December, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of the 2024 film It Ends With Us. She alleges that both she and other cast members experienced “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” on set. Furthermore, she accuses Baldoni of retaliating by using a crisis PR team to harm her public image.
In response, Baldoni has denied all allegations and filed a $400 million counterclaim against Lively and Reynolds. As part of his defense, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, announced plans to launch a website to present evidence refuting Lively’s claims of harassment.
Lively’s legal team has also sought a court order to prevent Freedman from launching a public relations campaign surrounding the case. They have requested that the court remind Freedman of his professional conduct obligations.
Last week, Lively’s lawyers, led by Michael Gottlieb, filed a request for an expedited hearing to address Freedman’s media efforts. As a result, Judge Liman moved the initial hearing date from February 12-February 3.
Judge Liman also plans to consolidate the two federal cases and set a schedule for a trial to begin on March 9, 2026.
However, this trial date could be canceled if the parties reach a settlement before then.
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