Justin Baldoni’s the legal team rejected claims that he caused Blake Alive’s alleged financial losses, arguing that its difficulties stem from pre-existing reputational problems.
As their dispute over “It Ends With Us” heads toward trial, the two sides are clashing over allegations of reputational damage and projected earnings.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyers also dispute the scale of Blake Lively’s losses, calling them unrealistic, while the actress’s team says she suffered significant professional and financial harm.
Justin Baldoni rejects claims he caused Blake Lively’s financial losses
Baldoni’s lawyers object to allegations that he is responsible for Lively’s reported financial setbacks, arguing instead that his challenges stem from a pre-existing public image and pre-existing business history.
At a recent pretrial 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 stem from the events surrounding “It Ends With Us.”
According to the Daily Mailthey argued that his actions during the March 2024 photo-editing controversy contributed to public backlash well before the film’s release.
Lively responded to the incident with her own satirical and heavily edited image, which sparked criticism. She later apologized after Kate revealed a cancer diagnosis.
Director’s lawyers slammed Blake Lively’s claims of heavy financial losses
Baldoni’s team also disputed Lively’s claims of significant financial losses, dismissing his team’s estimates as exaggerated.
The actress’s lawyers have suggested she lost tens of millions of dollars in endorsements and potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in projected earnings.
However, Baldoni’s attorney, Amir Kaltgrad, called the numbers “pie in the sky,” describing what he called “unrealistic assumptions” about Lively’s workload and future income.
According to court arguments, Lively earned approximately $21 million from four film projects over eight years before the film’s release.
By contrast, her expert’s projections suggest she could have earned more than $140 million over the next five years, a jump that Baldoni’s team called implausible, citing what they described as a “scattered work history.”
Blake Lively’s financial claims under scrutiny as former co-stars’ lawsuit looms
Amid allegations of financial losses, Baldoni’s legal team pointed to Lively’s business ventures, particularly her Betty Buzz beverage brand, as proof that her troubles were not linked 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 maintaining growth in the U.S. market.
As a result, there was reportedly more focus on expanding its alcohol line, Betty Booze, as a “flagship product.”
The dispute is part of a broader legal battle between the former co-stars, with a trial scheduled for May 18.
The two sides are expected to spar over allegations of reputational damage and financial damages linked to the fallout from their film collaboration, while the court also considers whether to release currently sealed evidence and set limits on the length of the trial.
Justin Baldoni’s side disputes online narrative as he raises ‘bully’ allegations against actress
Baldoni’s legal team continues to dispute Lively’s claims, with another of her lawyers, Fabien Manohar Thayambali, arguing that negative online comments calling her a “bully” were not solely the result of coordinated digital interference.
He pointed to Lively’s past actions, including her remarks about Kate in 2024 during the edited photo controversy, suggesting that the public’s perception of her behavior had already been shaped before the current dispute.
Meanwhile, speaking outside the courtroom, Lively’s lawyer Sigrid McCawley played down the chances of a last-minute settlement. She emphasized that Lively is working hard to get her side of the story heard in court.
McCawley confirmed the actress was willing to testify and hoped to take the stand. According to her, Lively has been waiting for this moment and is ready to present her story, expressing confidence as the trial approaches.
“She feels really good…she’s finally at a point where she can give her opinion,” she said. Daily Mail.
Hollywood Reportedly Keeping Distance As Blake Lively Faces Fallout Over ‘It Ends With Us’ Dispute
Meanwhile, the industry’s response appears to be changing. As the legal battle continues, Lively reportedly faces growing distance from parts of Hollywood.
Much of the conversation went beyond the courtroom and focused on the impact this situation had on his career. Sources suggest studios are proceeding cautiously, wary of controversy surrounding alleged problems on set, with one source describing his current position as that of a “persona non grata”.
Despite this characterization, no formal effort has been made to blacklist her. As reported The explosion, NewsNation Journalist Paula Froelich explained that the label reflects industry sentiment rather than any official action.
She notes a growing reluctance among agents and executives to get involved until the case is resolved, with many choosing to keep their distance from the actress for now.
