Justin Baldoni drew attention after expanding his legal team in the ongoing dispute with Blake Lively. The actor-director filed new court documents confirming the addition of defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro, known for representing high-profile clients, as tensions between the former co-stars continue to escalate.
Justin Baldoni recruits Alexandra Shapiro for Blake Lively’s legal battle
Justin Baldoni has strengthened his legal team in the ongoing dispute with Blake Lively by hiring attorney Alexandra Shapiro. A court filing submitted in New York federal court confirms that Shapiro, of Shapiro Arato Bach LLP, has joined Baldoni and his co-defendants, including publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, as well as Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath.
Shapiro is widely recognized for her experience in high-profile criminal defense. She is currently representing Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was convicted earlier this year on prostitution charges but acquitted of sex trafficking counts. She has also represented clients such as FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. A former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, she clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Supreme Court before co-founding her firm. (via People)
Baldoni’s decision to add Shapiro comes as the discovery deadline approaches in his civil case with Lively. Earlier this month, a redacted filing alleged that the actor verbally abused an individual. The filing claimed the person had repeated negative interactions with Baldoni and his associates. These allegations follow Lively’s lawsuit filed in December 2024, which accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of It Ends With Us.
Baldoni, 41, has denied all allegations. He previously attempted to countersue Lively for defamation, but the court dismissed that case in June 2025. His lead attorney, Bryan Freedman, remains on the docket despite Shapiro’s addition. Lively’s legal team has also filed motions seeking sanctions against Freedman for alleged violations of a court order.
The two actors, who co-starred in It Ends With Us, continue to escalate their dispute with claims of retaliation and media leaks. Court records confirm that Baldoni and Lively will face each other in March 2026. The court scheduled the next hearing for October 21, 2025.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
