Justin Baldoni’s lawyer cites 'Heated Rivalry' in court amid Blake Lively lawsuit

Baldoni's lawyer cited Heated Rivalry while arguing that intimate scenes and improvisation are common in film and TV

Justin Baldoni’s lawyer sparked attention in a Manhattan federal courtroom this week by citing the TV series Heated Rivalry while arguing that intimate scenes and improvisation are common in film and television.

The defense maintained that such creative choices do not automatically amount to misconduct, stressing that physical closeness between actors can be part of portraying romantic relationships on screen.

According to Baldoni’s attorney, the interactions in question were tied to the nature of the characters and not motivated by gender, adding that Lively was aware the project would include emotionally and physically intense scenes. The argument was presented as part of an effort to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Blake Lively’s legal team rejected this claim, asserting that she experienced unwanted physical contact that went beyond what she had consented to as an actor. Her lawyer argued that even within intimate scenes, clear boundaries and consent are essential, and that those boundaries were violated.

The judge questioned whether the sexual context of a film could justify physical contact without explicit agreement, indicating that the issue would require closer examination. The case remains ongoing, with significant damages at stake and a trial expected later this year.