When “It Ends with Us” hit theaters in August 2024, no one expected the real conflict to unfold off-screen. The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has now ballooned into multiple lawsuits worth over $650 million. Radio Law Talk host and California personal injury attorney Frederick Penney and his panel of lawyers dissected this complex case during the Feb. 8 episode, examining everything from sexual harassment claims to aggressive PR strategies. (Note: This is not legal advice)
Multiple Lawsuits and Claims
The legal dispute began when Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment during the film’s production. According to the discussion, Lively alleges that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior, including incidents while she was breastfeeding. The situation escalated following what was described as an “all hands on deck” meeting where various behavioral guidelines were reportedly established, including restrictions on discussing explicit content and personal experiences on set.
The case has since expanded into multiple lawsuits:
- Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for defamation and extortion
- Baldoni launched a separate $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times regarding their coverage of Lively’s allegations
- A new lawsuit has emerged in Texas involving PR specialist Jed Wallace, who is seeking $7 million in damages from Lively
The Texas PR Firm Litigation
The show’s analysis revealed that Wallace, described as a crisis management specialist, filed a preemptive lawsuit against Lively in Texas. According to the discussion, Lively’s legal documents referenced Wallace’s “proprietary formula” for managing celebrity trends and crises, though Wallace wasn’t initially named as a defendant. The lawsuit claims Lively admitted to lacking factual support for allegations against Wallace while characterizing him as a “hired gun” in the situation.
Judicial Intervention and Media Strategy
A significant development discussed on the show was the judge’s order regarding media communications. The court mandated that both legal teams must:
- Limit their press statements according to New York Rules of Professional Conduct
- Avoid making statements with a “substantial likelihood of prejudice”
- Restrict responses to media coverage not directly created by either party
The hosts noted that while these restrictions appear strict, they still allow considerable room for public relations maneuvering, as teams can respond to third-party media coverage.
Comparison to Depp-Heard Case
The show’s experts drew parallels to the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case, noting how the legal landscape has evolved since the #MeToo movement began in 2017. They observed that defendants now appear to have a more organized response strategy, including immediate counter-litigation and aggressive public relations campaigns.
Digital Evidence and Public Opinion
A notable aspect of Baldoni’s defense strategy discussed on the show was his team’s creation of a website containing a 168-page timeline with emails and texts defending against Lively’s allegations. The lawyers expressed concern about this approach, warning that such extensive public documentation could potentially backfire during trial proceedings if any inconsistencies are discovered.
Looking Ahead
The case is not scheduled for trial until 2026, but as noted by host Frederick Penney, the court of public opinion is already in session. The show’s experts predicted that, similar to the Depp-Heard case, both parties could ultimately face significant professional and personal damages regardless of the legal outcome. They emphasized that the extensive public nature of the dispute and the multiple overlapping lawsuits create a complex situation where achieving a clear “win” becomes increasingly difficult for either party.
Contact Penney & Associates
Do you need legal representation? To learn more about your legal rights or to schedule a free consultation, contact Frederick Penney and his experienced team of trial lawyers. We have decades of experience in successfully fighting for our clients’ rights and know what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve.
Note: Radio Law Talk broadcasts every Saturday from 9 AM to noon Pacific time. This recap covers selected portions of the Feb. 8, 2025, broadcast of Radio Law Talk. Complete episode recordings are available on the Radio Law Talk website and major podcast platforms.
