Cliff Notes – Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni ‘come face-to-face’ for first time since It Ends With Us war
- Justin Baldoni attended Blake Lively’s deposition in person, marking their first encounter since their public fallout during the filming of It Ends With Us.
- Lively has filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging severe emotional distress, while Baldoni has countersued for extortion and defamation, with a judge recently dismissing parts of his countersuit.
- The deposition, held behind closed doors, signals ongoing tensions as both stars prepare to testify in a scheduled trial set for March 2026.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni ‘come face-to-face’ for first time since It Ends With Us war
Justin Baldoni reportedly chose to attend Blake Lively’s deposition in person today. the latest development is worthy of a courtroom drama script, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni came face-to-face today for the first time since their public fallout.
The tense reunion took place inside a law office in Manhattan for Lively’s deposition as part of her case against Baldoni, following drama during the filming of It Ends With Us.
The pair, who starred in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name last year, have been embroiled in a bitter feud in recent months.
In December, the Gossip Girl actress, 37, launched legal proceedings against the 41-year-old – who also served as director – over claims she suffered ‘severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration and mental anguish’.
He denied all claims and filed a countersuit against her, husband Ryan Reynolds and their publicist, Leslie Sloane – alleging extortion and defamation – as well as separate documents against the New York Times.
According to People Magazine, Judge Lewis J Liman granted a motional to dismiss the $400m countersuit, as well as the defamation filing against the publication.
It Ends With Us raked in nearly $200million at the global box office
Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds has also gotten tangled in the drama. Now, according to reports from TMZ and ABC News, Baldoni made the decision to attend Lively’s deposition in person today at her legal team’s office in New York.
The private testimony, which may remain under seal, took place behind closed doors with only legal representatives, a court reporter, and a videographer present.
The deposition marks a dramatic milestone in the escalating legal saga between the two stars.
Despite the dismissed suits, tensions remain high — and public.
Back in May, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, made headlines with a provocative suggestion: that Lively’s deposition be held live at Madison Square Garden, with proceeds going to organisations supporting victims of domestic abuse.
Baldoni has emphatically denied all allegations against him
‘Since Ms. Lively is open to testifying, let’s make it count,’ he said at the time.
Though the MSG event never happened, Freedman confirmed this week that Baldoni was determined to be physically present for Lively’s deposition – a clear signal that he intends to keep the pressure on ahead of their scheduled trial in March 2026.
Cameras will not be allowed in the courtroom, but both Lively and Baldoni have committed to taking the stand.
Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, previously confirmed that Lively intends to testify when the case finally goes to trial.
While today’s deposition was closed to the public, the symbolic weight of Baldoni’s in-person attendance hasn’t gone unnoticed.
