Justin Baldoni’s Team Slams Blake Lively’s Gag Order as ‘Intimidation Tactic’

The Gag Order Debate

Lively and Reynolds’ lawyers recently filed a request with U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman to impose a gag order that would prevent Baldoni’s legal team from making public statements about the case. According to Lively’s team, Baldoni’s lawyers have been engaging in a “harassing and retaliatory media campaign,” issuing near-daily statements that they argue could prejudice the case.

In response, Baldoni’s lawyers fired back, calling the gag order request “outrageous” and claiming that their public comments are necessary to defend their client against the “substantial prejudicial effect” of Lively’s allegations, which were widely publicized after a New York Times article. They argue that ethical rules allow for such statements to protect their client’s reputation.

Baldoni’s Team Speaks Out

Baldoni’s legal counsel insists that Lively’s accusations have caused irreparable harm. “The Wayfarer Parties have been exiled from polite society,” they stated in a letter, referencing Baldoni’s production company. They estimate damages in the hundreds of millions of dollars due to what they describe as Lively’s “scorched-earth media campaign.”

The letter also accuses Lively’s team of attempting to stifle Baldoni’s ability to respond to the accusations. “Having publicly made ruinous allegations, the Lively Parties now invoke attorney disciplinary rules as an intimidation tactic,” the letter reads.

Lively’s Team Defends Their Request

In their response, Blake Lively and Reynolds’ lawyers refuted Baldoni’s claims, asserting that the gag order is not an attempt to silence him but rather a measure to ensure the integrity of the judicial process. “Requiring counsel to heed the ethical rules that bind them is not a gag order,” they argued, emphasizing that their focus is on preventing the case from being influenced by external publicity.

Lively’s legal team also pointed out that Baldoni’s attorneys have consistently released inflammatory statements, given interviews, and leaked information to the media, actions they claim threaten to taint the jury pool.

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions

The feud has spilled into the public eye, with both sides accusing each other of using the media to manipulate public perception. Baldoni’s attorneys recently released behind-the-scenes footage from the set of It Ends with Us, claiming it disproves Lively’s allegations. Lively’s team dismissed the move as a “stunt” and part of a larger retaliatory campaign against her.

What’s Next?

The legal teams are set to face off at a pretrial conference on February 12. The outcome of the gag order request could significantly impact the direction of the case, which has already seen multiple lawsuits filed by both sides. Baldoni is suing Lively and Reynolds for defamation and extortion, while Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation.

With accusations, counterclaims, and high-profile legal strategies dominating the headlines, this case is shaping up to be one of the most contentious Hollywood legal battles in recent memory. As both sides continue to clash, the stakes remain sky-high for everyone involved.