The ongoing legal dispute between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken another dramatic turn. 

Lively’s legal team is now requesting a gag order against Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, accusing him of making public statements that could influence a potential jury. 

The case, which centers on Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment during the film’s production, continues to escalate as both parties present conflicting accounts.

Lively’s Legal Team Criticizes Public Statements

Blake Lively’s legal team has strongly condemned Freedman’s public commentary regarding the case. 

In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Lively’s lawyers accused Freedman of making statements aimed at undermining her credibility and tainting the jury pool.

The letter stated, “Federal litigation must be conducted in court and according to the relevant rules of professional conduct. His conduct threatens to, and will, materially prejudice both the Lively Case and the Wayfarer Case by tainting the jury pool.”

Freedman’s comments, coupled with the release of unedited footage from It Ends With Us, have sparked heated debates over the interpretation of events on set. Both Lively and Baldoni claim that the footage supports their respective narratives.

Allegations and Counterclaims

Lively’s December 2023 sexual harassment complaint outlined several instances of inappropriate behavior by Baldoni during a slow-dance scene. She alleged that Baldoni leaned close to her, made suggestive comments about her scent, and dismissed her objections by stating, “I’m not even attracted to you.”

In response, Baldoni and his legal team released unedited video footage of the scene, arguing that the footage disproves Lively’s claims. According to Baldoni, the comments referenced Lively’s spray tan and body makeup, not her scent. The footage also includes lighthearted exchanges between the co-stars, which Baldoni claims were taken out of context.

A statement accompanying the footage read, “The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love. Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism.”

Lively’s Legal Perspective

Lively’s legal team has dismissed Baldoni’s interpretation of the footage, describing it as “damning evidence” that corroborates her allegations. They claim the video shows Baldoni engaging in inappropriate behavior, including leaning into Lively’s neck, caressing her, and attempting to kiss her without consent.

“Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present,” Lively’s team stated. “No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent.”

The allegations also extend beyond the set of It Ends With Us. Lively has accused Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath of creating a toxic work environment, citing incidents such as discussions about personal sexual experiences and comments about her weight and personal life.

Baldoni’s Position

Justin Baldoni, for his part, has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and interference with his career. Baldoni claims that Lively’s accusations and media statements have caused significant professional and financial harm, including the loss of three projects.

A source close to Baldoni criticized Lively’s request for a gag order, calling it “unbelievable.” The source stated, “It’s grossly unfair to impose a gag order after Justin has been publicly defamed. All he wants to do is release evidence to prove the allegations are false.”

A Contentious Road Ahead

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni shows no signs of slowing down, with both sides digging in and presenting conflicting evidence. The case has also sparked broader conversations about workplace dynamics, on-set boundaries, and the role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring professional conduct.

As the litigation unfolds, the stakes remain high for both parties. While Lively aims to hold Baldoni accountable for what she describes as unacceptable behavior, Baldoni is fighting to clear his name and salvage his career. The request for a gag order, if granted, could significantly impact how the case plays out in the media and court of public opinion.

The It Ends With Us co-stars are now locked in a battle that extends far beyond their roles in the film, with both seeking justice in a dispute that has captured widespread attention.

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