Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal teams faced off in court on Thursday, March 6, as they presented their arguments regarding Lively’s request for a more stringent protective order.
The judge is now set to make a ruling on the matter, which has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
Blake Lively’s attorney argued that Baldoni’s legal team engaged in “improper disclosure of information”, insisting that sensitive details should not be publicly accessible. “We want to stop the public publication of this information during the discovery phase of the case,” the lawyer stated. “We should not make dozens of third parties rush to the court for protection.”
Representing Baldoni, attorney Bryan Freedman pushed back against Lively’s request, stating, “These are matters of ‘for attorney’s eyes only’ restrictions.” Freedman emphasized Baldoni’s right to a fair defense, adding, “We want to agree to the protective order but also place the burden on the party seeking greater protection to go to court and be transparent.”
Blake Lively’s legal team also pushed for additional safeguards concerning her private communications with “high-profile individuals”, citing concerns that public exposure could cause “irreparable harm.” The Gossip Girl alum’s attorneys stressed that the release of such sensitive messages could have lasting consequences on her personal and professional relationships.
Freedman countered this argument, stating, “We cannot treat celebrities or powerful industry figures differently from other individuals.” His response underscored Baldoni’s legal team’s stance that the court must maintain fairness regardless of the parties’ social status.
The request for a stricter protective order follows Blake Lively’s accusations against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment on the set of It Ends With Us. Baldoni has strongly denied these claims and has responded with a defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
Blake Lively’s team previously revealed that she has received violent threats and visits to her private home, intensifying her legal push for protection. In response, Baldoni’s representatives condemned “dangerous rhetoric”, stating that “no one should be subjected to threats or harassment.”
With tensions rising, the court’s decision on Blake Lively’s request is expected soon, potentially setting a precedent for privacy and protection in high-profile legal disputes.