As Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s legal battle continues to ramp up, a new report about it has emerged online. This report suggests that the Wayfarer’s co-founder was present for Lively’s deposition, which took place on Thursday. Before her deposition, The Shallows’ star filed a request for a protective order, which was granted by Judge Lewis J. Liman.
Lively and Baldoni’s continuously developing legal saga began in late 2024 after she accused him of sexual harassment.
Justin Baldoni was present during Blake Lively’s deposition
According to a new report from TMZ, Justin Baldoni was present in the room for Blake Lively’s deposition. The deposition was held at Lively’s lawyer’s office in New York City.
Moreover, the outlet stated that before the deposition, both Baldoni and Lively’s teams debated over where to hold the actress’s testimony. The former’s team suggested a live-stream at Madison Square Garden. The idea stemmed from Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman’s challenge to Blake Lively. The former wanted to see if the latter was “really serious about testifying for the world to see.” He also shared that money from the stream would be given to “domestic violence survivors.” Freedman’s challenge was the result of Lively’s legal team revealing that the A Simple Favor actress planned to take the stand if their lawsuit made it to trial.
However, Lively’s team disagreed with Freedman’s idea. Sources close to the 37-year-old actress told TMZ, “This is a serious matter about a serious allegation, not a publicity stunt.”
Before the deposition, Blake Lively filed a request for a protective order. The order let her legal team decide where to hold the deposition. It also requested the identification of those who would be present for her hearing in advance.
The request was granted by Judge Lewis J. Liman on July 14, 2025 (via PEOPLE). The order stipulated that Baldoni’s team had to notify Lively about who would attend her deposition. Meanwhile, the Gossip Girl alum had to make arrangements for Baldoni’s team to have a computer and the ability to print and copy documents in a space chosen by the actress.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon.net.
