Justin Baldoni is firmly against Blake Lively’s latest legal move and insists that her finances are a part of the discussion. Baldoni claims in newly filed court documents that Lively’s income and net worth are directly relevant to the upcoming trial. This is especially true since Blake Lively has previously claimed to have suffered massive financial losses due to the ongoing dispute.
Justin Baldoni wants Blake Lively’s $161M claim put to the test
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Baldoni, according to TMZ’s filing, believes that Lively opened up the door for financial scrutiny when she claimed she lost $161,000,000 due to a smear. He is now telling the judge her earnings and financial standing should be included in the case.
But Baldoni doesn’t stop with Lively. He also wants to discuss her husband Ryan Reynolds income. He claims that their professional decisions often overlap. Lively, he says, “typically doesn’t accept acting opportunities that conflict with Reynolds’ schedule, especially when he can earn a higher income from his movies than she is able.”
Baldoni Targets Wolverine & Deadpool Characters In Legal Fight
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Baldoni also wants to include a character from the movie “Deadpool & Wolverine”. Lively had previously tried to block references to Reynolds “Nicepool”, but Baldoni argues that it is relevant, claiming that the portrayal mocks Reynolds and contributes to the public perception.
The actor claims that this alleged depiction was part of the reason he hired a crisis management group, countering Lively’s claim that he hired the team as retaliation against her.
Blake Lively’s Legal Case Fails to Proceed as Scheduled
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Before the trial, there have been significant developments in the case. A judge recently dismissed 10 of the 13 claims Lively made against Baldoni. This included her defamation, harassment, and harassment allegations. This could weaken arguments related to financial damages.
The Blast reported that Judge Liman had ruled that Lively’s claims could not be pursued legally, particularly those that relied on her being a worker. However, he found that other claims, such as the key retaliation allegation, were sufficiently supported to proceed.
The ruling dismisses multiple claims, including her Title VII, California Labor Code, and retaliation claim, as well some claims against individual defendants. At least one retaliation complaint against Wayfarer and related companies survived, keeping the trial scheduled for May 18.
Lively’s attorney pushes back after judge tosses key claims
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Michael Gottlieb, Lively’s attorney, reacted to the decision by claiming that the claims were dismissed due to legal technicalities. “Ms. Lively’s claims of sexual harassment could not be heard by a jury, he said, because she had not signed a contract and was an independent contractor, not an employee. The offensive conduct also took place in New Jersey, not California.
Lively took to Instagram Stories and expressed her gratitude for the court’s ruling. She also expressed that she was glad that key parts of the case would still be moving forward. “I am grateful for the Court ruling, which allows my case to be presented in full to a jury at trial next month. I can finally tell my story ,” Lively wrote.
The actress of “It Ends With Us”, went on to emphasize what she called the broader implications in the case. She called attention to the dangers “of retaliation, and digital warfare”, while making it clear that she has no plans of backing down. “It’s a privilege for me to be able stand up,” she said. “I will not waste this opportunity,” she concluded.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Reach Deadlock in Settlement Talks
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The case appears to be stuck in the courtroom. On April 6, attorneys from both sides met separately in New York with Magistrate Sarah Cave to try and reach a new settlement. Judge Lewis J. Liman then allowed both sides to submit an “updated settlement” position following their last court appearance.
Despite the setbacks several claims are still moving forward, including breach contract and retaliation. The long-running legal dispute between Baldoni, Lively and others is now headed towards a courtroom showdown on May where both sides will present their arguments fully.
