Justin Baldoni’s legal team has rejected claims that he caused Blake Lively’s alleged financial losses, arguing her challenges stem from pre-existing reputation issues.
As their dispute over “It Ends With Us” heads to trial, both sides are clashing over claims of reputational harm and projected earnings.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyers also dispute the scale of Blake Lively’s losses, calling them unrealistic, while the actress’s team maintains she suffered significant career and financial damage.
Justin Baldoni Rejects Claims Over Blake Lively’s Financial Losses, With Legal Team Pointing to Past ‘Bully’ Allegations
Justin Baldoni’s legal team is pushing back against claims that he is responsible for Blake Lively’s reported financial setbacks, arguing instead that her challenges stem from a pre-existing public image and business track record.
At a recent pre-trial hearing, Baldoni’s lawyers pointed to Lively’s past public behavior, including her criticism of Kate Middleton, as evidence that any reputational damage did not originate from events surrounding “It Ends with Us.”
According to the Daily Mail, they argued that her actions during the March 2024 photo-editing controversy contributed to public backlash well before the film’s release. Lively had responded to the incident with a satirical, heavily edited image of her own, which drew criticism. She later issued an apology after Kate revealed a cancer diagnosis.
Baldoni’s side also challenged Lively’s claims of major financial losses, dismissing estimates from her team as exaggerated. Her attorneys have suggested she lost tens of millions in endorsements and potentially hundreds of millions in projected earnings.
However, Baldoni’s lawyer, Amir Kaltgrad, described these figures as “pie in the sky,” describing what he called “unrealistic assumptions” about Lively’s future workload and income.
Financial Claims Under Scrutiny As Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Head Toward May 18 Trial
According to court arguments, Lively earned about $21 million from four film projects over eight years before the movie’s release.
In contrast, projections from her expert suggested she could have earned over $140 million in the following five years, a jump Baldoni’s team characterized as implausible, citing what they described as “scattered work history.”
The defense also pointed to Lively’s business ventures, particularly her beverage brand Betty Buzz, as evidence that her financial issues were not tied to any alleged smear campaign.
Court filings indicated that concerns about the brand’s long-term profitability existed independently, with internal discussions suggesting challenges in sustaining growth in the U.S. market. As a result, more focus was reportedly placed on expanding her alcoholic line, Betty Booze, as the “anchor product.”
The dispute is part of a broader legal battle between the former co-stars, with a trial scheduled for May 18. Both sides are expected to argue over claims of reputational harm and financial damages tied to the fallout from their film collaboration, while the court also considers whether to release currently sealed evidence and set limits on the trial’s duration.
Legal Teams Clash As Blake Lively Prepares To Testify, And Justin Baldoni’s Side Disputes Online Narrative
Baldoni’s legal team continues to challenge Lively’s claims, with another of his attorneys, Fabien Manohar Thayamballi, arguing that negative online comments labeling her a “bully” were not purely the result of any coordinated digital interference.
He pointed to Lively’s own past actions, including her 2024 remarks about Kate during the edited photo controversy, suggesting that public perception of her behavior had already been shaped before the current dispute.
Meanwhile, speaking outside the courtroom, Lively’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, downplayed the chances of a last-minute settlement. She emphasized that Lively is focused on having her side of the story heard in court.
McCawley confirmed that the actress is prepared to testify and expects to take the stand. According to her, Lively has been anticipating this moment and is ready to present her account, expressing confidence as the trial approaches. “She’s feeling really good…she’s finally at a point where she will be able to tell her side,” she said.
Hollywood Reportedly Keeps Its Distance As Blake Lively Faces Fallout From ‘It Ends With Us’ Dispute
Meanwhile, industry reaction appears to be shifting. As the legal fight continues, Lively is said to be facing an increasing distance from parts of Hollywood.
Much of the conversation has moved beyond the courtroom to what this situation means for her career standing. Sources suggest studios are proceeding cautiously, wary of the controversy surrounding alleged on-set issues, with one veteran insider describing her current position as that of a “persona non grata.
Despite that characterization, there has been no formal effort to blacklist her. According to journalist Paula Froelich, the label reflects industry sentiment rather than any official action.
She notes a growing reluctance among agents and executives to get involved while the case remains unresolved, with many opting to keep their distance for now.
Froelich had raised similar concerns earlier. Back in early 2025, she noted that studios were already wary of collaborating with Lively in the aftermath of “It Ends With Us,” pointing to reports of rising costs and delays during production.
