Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer of Misleading Statements in Legal Battle

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Blake Lively‘s legal team has accused Justin Baldoni‘s attorney, Bryan Freedman, of making “misleading and selective” public statements in their ongoing legal dispute, escalating tensions in a case that has drawn significant media attention. The dispute centers on allegations of sexual harassment and defamation tied to the production of the film “It Ends With Us.”

Lively’s lawyers filed a letter in the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, requesting a court hearing to address Freedman’s conduct. The filing came after Freedman released video footage from the film set, which he claims refutes Lively’s allegations against Baldoni. Freedman also announced plans to launch a website with additional correspondence and footage to counter Lively’s claims.

In the letter, Lively’s legal team cited two cease-and-desist letters previously sent to Freedman and members of Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios. The letters demanded an end to what they described as a “harassing and retaliatory media campaign” against Lively. The second letter, sent directly to Freedman, accused him of making defamatory statements and violating professional standards for attorneys.

“Since the Wayfarer Parties and Mr. Freedman received the cease-and-desist letters, they have continued their harassing and retaliatory media campaign, with almost daily media statements or other releases to the press,” the letter stated.

Lively’s lawyers argue that Freedman’s actions risk prejudicing both Lively’s sexual harassment case and Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit by tainting the jury pool. They are seeking a protective order to govern future proceedings and have requested a hearing to address the matter.

The legal battle began in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging that Baldoni created a hostile work environment during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” She claimed that after raising concerns about Baldoni’s behavior, his PR team orchestrated a campaign to damage her reputation.

Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times in December, accusing the newspaper of publishing an article that relied on Lively’s “self-serving narrative.” The Times defended its reporting, stating that the story was “meticulously and responsibly reported.”

Earlier this month, Baldoni also filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane. Lively’s legal team dismissed the suit as “another chapter in the abuser playbook,” asserting that Baldoni’s actions are an attempt to silence her.

CNN has reached out to Freedman and Lively’s representatives for comment. The case continues to unfold as both sides prepare for further legal proceedings.