Justin Baldoni is pushing back hard against Blake Lively’s latest legal move, and he’s making it clear her finances should be part of the conversation. In newly filed court documents, Baldoni argues that Lively’s net worth and income are directly relevant to their upcoming trial, especially since Blake Lively previously claimed she suffered massive financial losses tied to the ongoing dispute.
Justin Baldoni Wants Blake Lively’s $161M Claim Put To The Test
According to TMZ, the filing states that Baldoni believes Lively opened the door to financial scrutiny by alleging she lost $161 million due to an alleged smear campaign. He’s now telling the judge that her earnings and overall financial standing should be presented to the jury as part of the case.
But Baldoni isn’t stopping with Lively. He’s also asking the court to allow discussion of her husband Ryan Reynolds’ income, claiming their professional decisions are often intertwined, allegedly Lively “typically does not accept acting opportunities which conflict with Reynolds’ acting schedule, particularly when he is able to garner a higher income for his movies than she can.”
Baldoni Targets ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Character In Legal Fight
Another surprising element Baldoni wants included in the trial is a character from “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Lively previously attempted to block references to Reynolds’ “Nicepool” character, but Baldoni argues it’s relevant, claiming the portrayal mocks him and contributes to public perception.
The actor says this alleged depiction is part of what led him to hire a crisis management team, countering Lively’s claim that he brought in the team to retaliate against her.
Blake Lively Hit With Major Legal Setback Ahead Of Trial
The case has already seen significant developments ahead of trial. A judge recently dismissed 10 out of 13 claims Lively brought against Baldoni, including her defamation and harassment allegations, potentially weakening arguments tied to financial damages.
As The Blast reported, Judge Liman ruled that several of Lively’s claims couldn’t move forward legally, especially those relying on her being considered an employee, but found that others, including key retaliation allegations, had enough backing to continue.
The ruling knocks out multiple claims, including her Title VII and California Labor Code retaliation claims, as well as some claims against individual defendants. Still, at least one retaliation claim against Wayfarer and related entities survived, keeping the case on track for trial on May 18.
Lively’s Attorney Pushes Back After Judge Tosses Key Claims
Following the decision, Lively’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, pushed back, saying the claims were thrown out due to legal technicalities. “Ms. Lively’s sexual harassment claims could not go to a jury because Ms. Lively did not sign a contract, that she is an independent contractor instead of an employee, and that the offensive conduct occurred in New Jersey instead of California,” he said.
Lively herself took to Instagram Stories to address the court’s decision, expressing gratitude that key parts of her case will still move forward. “I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling, which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial…” she wrote.
The “It Ends With Us” actress went on to highlight what she described as the broader implications of the case, calling attention to the dangers of “retaliation and digital warfare” while making it clear she has no plans to back down. “I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it,” she concluded.
Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Hit Deadlock In Settlement Talks
Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the case outside the courtroom appear to have hit a wall. On April 6, attorneys for both sides met separately with Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave in New York in a renewed attempt to reach a settlement. Shortly after, Judge Lewis J. Liman allowed both parties to submit their “updated settlement position” following their latest court appearance.
Despite the setbacks, several claims, including breach of contract and retaliation, are still moving forward. The long-running legal feud between Baldoni and Lively is now heading toward a courtroom showdown in May, where both sides are expected to present their arguments in full.
