Blake Lively has strategically bolstered her legal team by adding her husband, Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds, to her witness list as her contentious lawsuit against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni advances toward trial. The case, set to commence on May 18, follows a significant judicial ruling that dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 initial claims, leaving retaliation and breach of contract allegations to proceed.
Ryan Reynolds Takes Center Stage in Courtroom Drama
According to court documents filed recently, Reynolds will play a pivotal role in the proceedings. The Deadpool actor, 49, is expected to provide testimony concerning production and promotion issues, alongside the alleged retaliation and damages that form the core of Lively's remaining claims. People magazine reports that Reynolds has been deeply committed to supporting his wife throughout the legal preparations, having witnessed the unfolding drama firsthand.
Expansive Witness List Sparks Controversy
Lively's witness roster extends beyond her famous spouse, featuring an array of individuals connected to the film. Her sister, Robyn Lively, and co-stars Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer are named as potential witnesses. Additionally, Lively has selected several of Baldoni's associates, including his former podcast co-host Liz Plank, former publicist Stephanie Jones, and PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan, to corroborate her allegations.
Notably, bestselling author Colleen Hoover, who wrote the novel upon which the film is based, appears on the list. Her testimony is anticipated to be presented via deposition rather than in-person appearance. Hoover initially expressed support for Lively when the allegations surfaced in December 2024 but has since adopted a more neutral stance, lamenting that the lawsuit has overshadowed her contemporary romance novel.
Baldoni's Efforts to Limit Testimony
Justin Baldoni is actively seeking to exclude testimony from multiple individuals on Lively's witness list. Through his legal team, he argues that Hoover's input should be stricken because she was never present on the film set. Regarding Jenny Slate, Baldoni contends that her complaints should be barred since any issues were resolved during production. TMZ reports that Baldoni characterizes the proposed testimonies as a "grab bag of awkward comments, minor confrontations, and perceived slights" that would be inadmissible even if the sexual harassment claims had proceeded.
Baldoni similarly challenges the relevance of testimonies from Liz Plank and Isabela Ferrer, noting that Plank had no involvement with the film and Ferrer reportedly praised Baldoni and the intimacy coordinator without lodging complaints.
Jury Selection and Broader Implications
As the trial approaches, lawyers from both sides have prepared a list of questions for potential jurors, inquiring whether they are acquainted with individuals who may be referenced during the proceedings. This list includes high-profile names such as Taylor Swift, a friend of Lively's, alongside Reynolds, Slate, Hoover, Robyn Lively, and actor Hasan Minhaj, who portrayed Baldoni's character's brother-in-law in the film.
The legal dispute originated in December 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni, her leading man and director, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign to damage her reputation—allegations that Baldoni has consistently denied. A federal judge in New York dismissed 10 of the 13 claims on April 2, including those for sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. The remaining claims focus on retaliation and breach of contract, with Baldoni no longer a personal defendant but his company still facing allegations.
Both Lively, 38, and Baldoni, 42, are expected to testify during the trial, having rejected settlement efforts earlier this week. The case continues to attract significant media attention, highlighting the complexities of interpersonal dynamics and legal strategies within the entertainment industry.
