Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 15, 2025 · Entertainment

James Brolin Champions Justin Baldoni Amid Blake Lively Legal Drama

Barbra Streisand's husband James Brolin vocalized his support for Justin Baldoni amid his heated legal feud with Blake Lively; seen in 2022

Blake Lively's Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni: James Brolin Weighs In

In a shocking twist, actor James Brolin has spoken out in support of his former colleague, Justin Baldoni, amid their heated legal feud. The "Marcus Welby, M.D." star, 84, told People that he doesn't understand the drama surrounding the two stars, but hopes it resolves soon.

Brolin developed a close friendship with Baldoni after directing him in the 2011 short film "Royal Reunion." He praised Baldoni's dedication to his craft and his work as a director, writer, and author. Brolin even marveled at how Baldoni has gone from a newcomer on the set of "Jane the Virgin" to becoming an accomplished filmmaker with multiple projects under his belt.

Six months after the actress, 37, (seen in June 2025) accused her It Ends With Us co-star of sexual harassment, which Baldoni, 41, denies, Brolin, 84, addressed the claims

However, Baldoni's legal troubles have been making headlines after he was accused by Blake Lively of sexual harassment and retaliation. The actress, 37, claims that she was subjected to inappropriate behavior during the filming of their movie "It Ends With Us." Baldoni vehemently denies the allegations.

As the legal battle continues, Brolin's support for his former colleague has sparked a heated debate in Hollywood. Stars like America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel have come out in defense of Lively, while others, including Amy Schumer and Jenny Slate, have backed Baldoni.

The drama unfolded after Lively was granted permission to choose the location of her deposition, which is set to take place on Thursday. Her lawyers argued that Baldoni's team would turn the proceedings into a media spectacle, but Judge Lewis Liman approved the deposition to be held at a new location, which has been kept confidential.

'I don't understand what's going on right now, but I hope it works out,' the Marcus Welby, M.D. star told People of the pair's legal war; Baldoni seen in 2024

The legal showdown has divided Hollywood, with some stars taking sides and others staying mum. The drama is far from over, as the two sides continue to clash in court.

The Gossip Girl star is set to be deposed at an undisclosed location in New York on Thursday in her ongoing legal battle against Baldoni, who was her director and co-star in It Ends With Us; She is pictured in 2024

Baldoni pushed back on her claim by accusing her of trying to use her 'celebrity status' to gain an upper hand in the proceedings; He is pictured 2024

Insiders close to Lively previously revealed that she was prepared to face a series of difficult inquiries at her deposition, and that her husband Ryan Reynolds, 48, isn't expected to attend; They are seen in April

In a moment of snark, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, previously said that Lively's deposition should be live-streamed to an audience at Madison Square Garden; pictured in May

The two sides are preparing to face off in court after they clashed while filming It Ends With Us last year; Pictured in a still from the film