A judge issued a ruling limiting public statements by Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal teams in their ongoing sexual harassment case. Both sides accuse each other of damaging media campaigns.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni 's legal teams faced off in federal court on Monday to address the delicate issue of public statements in their ongoing case. The judge issued a ruling that both sides must adhere to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which impose limitations on what can be disclosed to the media. The primary restriction is a prohibition against making statements that have a 'substantial likelihood' of prejudicing a potential jury.
However, the legal teams are permitted to defend their clients in the media against publicity not instigated by either party.Both Lively and Baldoni's attorneys claim that their clients have suffered 'hundreds of millions of dollars in damages' due to statements made in the press following Lively's initial sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni. The dispute stems from the filming of the Colleen Hoover-adapted movie, 'It Ends With Us.' Lively alleges that she experienced sexual harassment on set and filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December. Her complaint, initially submitted to the California Civil Rights Department and subsequently filed in federal court, outlines allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and other offenses committed by Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath.Tensions escalated during Monday's hearing as Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, accused Lively's legal team of initiating the media frenzy by allegedly collaborating with The New York Times to publish an article attacking Baldoni. Freedman expressed frustration over what he perceived as attempts to damage Baldoni's reputation before the case even reached a courtroom. He pointed to statements labeling Baldoni an abuser and employing manipulative tactics that 'turn the tables on the victim.' Despite the heated exchanges, Freedman seemed satisfied with the outcome of the hearing, stating that he and his client are 'devastated' and eager to expedite the case to prove Baldoni's innocence. Lively's legal team, on the other hand, expressed confidence that their client will prevail once all the evidence is presented, emphasizing their commitment to holding the defendants accountable. A proposed protective order is scheduled to be reviewed on March 11th, and the trial date remains set for March 2026
Blake Lively Justin Baldoni Sexual Harassment Court Hearing Gag Order Media Statements It Ends With Us Lawsuit Defamation
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