Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni’s lawyers of media manipulation with leaked deposition transcript

Blake Lively has accused Justin Baldoni’s attorneys of orchestrating a media campaign by publicizing her recent deposition, according to a letter filed by her legal team and reported by Deadline. The dispute stems from Lively’s ongoing lawsuit alleging harassment and retaliation during the production of the romantic drama film It Ends With Us.

In a letter submitted to federal court on August 5, Lively’s lawyers criticized Baldoni’s team for releasing the full 292-page transcript of her July 31 deposition. The letter argues that the move served no legal purpose and was designed to generate publicity. “The transcript was ostensibly filed to argue that Bryan Freedman and his firm have not engaged in a smear campaign,” attorney Esra Hudson wrote. “But in fact, this tactic perfectly demonstrates the counsel-as-PR-agent role.”

Hudson also alleged that Baldoni’s team immediately leaked details of the deposition—including Lively’s arrival time, attire, and presence of her husband Ryan Reynolds—to tabloid media. Outlets such as TMZ and Daily Mail published details soon after the deposition took place at Lively’s attorney’s Manhattan office.

Lively’s lawyers emphasized that the setting was misrepresented, stating that Baldoni and several others were present during the deposition, along with eight attorneys representing his side. They called the transcript filing a “manufactured excuse” to expose private legal proceedings.

A countersuit filed by Baldoni for $400 million was dismissed in June. Lively’s trial against Baldoni is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026. Meanwhile, Baldoni is pursuing a separate legal battle with insurance companies over coverage for his legal fees.

Later on August 5, Lively’s legal team filed a motion for sanctions against Freedman, citing alleged pre-trial slander and character attacks. Representatives for both sides have declined to comment publicly.