In a development 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.
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 organizations supporting victims of domestic abuse.
‘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.
Representatives for Lively, Baldoni, and Reynolds have yet to comment on today’s proceedings.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
