Blake Lively Prepares for Intense Legal Interrogation in 'It Ends With Us' Drama
ROMANCE DRAMA TURNS INTO A LITIGATION NIGHTMARE!
Blake Lively is set to face a grueling deposition by attorneys representing her costar in the hit romantic drama "It Ends with Us," Justin Baldoni, amidst a messy defamation and extortion lawsuit that has left Hollywood stunned. The actress, known for her fiery personality, will take the stand on July 17th to answer questions about the alleged smear campaign and sexual harassment claims she made against Baldoni.
LIVELY PREPARES FOR A BATTLE ROYALE
Sources close to Lively have revealed that she's been preparing for this moment for months, and isn't afraid to face the tough questioning from Baldoni's team. Her husband, Ryan Reynolds, 48, is expected to stay out of it, but insiders suggest that Lively will be the one taking center stage in this dramatic showdown.
THE DEPOSITION IS JUST THE BEGINNING
The deposition is a crucial step in the litigation process, and both sides are gearing up for what promises to be an explosive battle. Baldoni's team has been quietly gathering evidence, and sources close to the matter suggest that they have some bombshell revelations that will shake the foundations of Lively's defense.
LIVELY'S STATEMENT AFTER THE LAWSUIT WAS DISMISSED
Just days ago, a New York City judge threw out Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane. In response to the decision, Lively released a powerful statement on Instagram, vowing to continue standing up for women's rights and speaking truth to power.
LIVELY ACCUSES BALDONI OF 'DARVO TACTICS'
In her statement, Lively accused Baldoni of using "DARVO tactics" – deny, attack, reverse victim and offender, and minimize or distort the abuse. Her team has also released a scathing statement, accusing Baldoni of contradicting his own public persona as a #MeToo advocate.
BALDONI'S TEAM PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS
Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has been fighting tooth and nail to prove that Lively's claims are false. In an interview with TMZ Live, Freedman revealed that he had hoped the deposition would have a large audience, given the massive public interest in both the film and what happened behind the scenes during production.
BALDONI'S LAWSUIT WAS A PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE
According to sources close to the matter, Baldoni's lawsuit was a pre-emptive strike designed to silence Lively before she could gather evidence and build a case against him. But Lively and her team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, gathering testimony from witnesses and building a robust defense.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH
The outcome of this litigation will have far-reaching implications for both parties involved. If Lively's claims are proven to be true, it could damage Baldoni's reputation irreparably. On the other hand, if the allegations against Lively are substantiated, it could lead to a career-ending scandal.
THE JURY IS STILL OUT
As the deposition date approaches, fans and insiders alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this messy drama. Will Lively emerge victorious, or will Baldoni's team manage to poke holes in her defense? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this is a battle for the ages.
THE KEY PLAYERS
- Blake Lively: Actress and plaintiff in the defamation lawsuit
- Justin Baldoni: Actor and defendant in the defamation lawsuit
- Ryan Reynolds: Lively's husband and co-plaintiff in the defamation lawsuit
- Leslie Sloane: Lively's publicist and co-plaintiff in the defamation lawsuit
- Bryan Freedman: Baldoni's lawyer
THE TIMELINE
- December 2023: Lively files a lawsuit against Baldoni alleging sexual harassment and defamation.
- January 16, 2024: Baldoni files a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane, alleging defamation and extortion.
- June 10, 2024: A New York City judge throws out Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane.
- July 17, 2024: Lively is set to face a deposition by attorneys representing Baldoni.