In the upcoming trial involving Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively is set to take the stand. Her attorney, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed that the actress will testify in her ongoing legal case against Baldoni. This includes allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation.
Blake Lively to testify in trial against Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively is expected to testify in the upcoming court case against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director from It Ends with Us. Her lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed she will testify, stating that the trial is the “ultimate moment” to share her side of the story.
Gottlieb told PEOPLE, ”The ultimate moment for a plaintiff’s story to be told is at trial. We expect that to be the case here [with Lively]. So we would, of course, expect her to be a witness at her trial.” Her legal team claims other witnesses who reportedly witnessed misconduct on set will also testify.
They added, “In discovery, they’ll have an opportunity to ask Ms. Lively questions. Likewise, we will have the opportunity to take the depositions of the defendants.” According to Gottlieb, their testimonies will support Lively’s allegations. In addition to live witness statements, documents from Sony Pictures and producer notes will also be introduced as evidence.
Gottlieb also argued that media focus has shifted from the actual issue. He hopes that the focus is shifted back to the “core part of the case,” that Blake Lively was allegedly targeted in retaliation for raising concerns about sexual harassment. As of now, it remains unclear whether Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, will testify. Though he is named in Justin Baldoni’s countersuit, Lively’s team is working to dismiss what they call “frivolous” claims.
Speculation about Lively’s participation began in late April following her TIME100 Gala speech, where she revealed her mother had survived an attack by a “work acquaintance” before Lively was born. She also referenced trauma from the past two years.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
