Hollywood star Blake Lively, best known for her breakout role in Gossip Girl and the recent box office success Another Simple Favor, is stepping into a very different kind of spotlight.
The beloved actress is now preparing to testify under oath in a highly publicized legal battle against her It Ends with Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
The case, which has attracted widespread media attention, is expected to take a dramatic turn with Lively’s testimony. Her legal counsel, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that the star will, indeed, take the stand. “Yes,” Gottlieb said when asked directly if Blake Lively would testify. “The ultimate moment for a plaintiff’s story to be told is at trial. We expect that to be the case here [with Lively]. So we would, of course, expect her to be a witness at her trial.”
Speculation about the actress’ involvement intensified after her heartfelt speech at the TIME100 Gala in late April. During her address, Lively spoke emotionally about her mother surviving a violent attack before she was born. While not naming names, she hinted at her own recent turmoil, stating there was “so much to say about the last two years of my life.” The speech fueled public interest and added emotional weight to her expected court appearance.
Gottlieb also disclosed that Lively will not be the only one testifying. “There are individuals that were witnesses to or experienced misconduct that is relevant to Ms. Lively’s claims,” he revealed. He further noted that the upcoming trial would feature multiple firsthand accounts of events that allegedly occurred on set.
So far, updates on the case between Blake Lively and Baldoni have been limited. A New York judge recently reminded both parties to maintain decorum and avoid leaking sensitive information.
As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Blake Lively, whose poised public image and powerful voice could become a pivotal force in the courtroom. With the trial drawing near, Lively’s next big performance may not be on screen—but on the witness stand.