LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Blake Lively will testify in her lawsuit against actor-director Justin Baldoni, her lawyer has confirmed, as legal proceedings between the two It Ends With Us co-stars intensify.
Speaking to a US media outlet, Lively’s lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, stated that the actress is prepared to take the stand during the trial.
“The ultimate moment for a plaintiff’s story to be told is at trial. We expect that to be the case here. So we would, of course, expect her to be a witness at her trial. Of course, she’s going to testify,” said Gottlieb.
Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in 2023, accusing him of sexual harassment and conducting a smear campaign against her during the production of It Ends With Us.
The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was directed by Baldoni and starred both actors in lead roles.
In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging that the couple conspired to damage his career and reputation. He has denied all allegations.
Gottlieb added that other witnesses are expected to come forward with accounts of misconduct that allegedly took place on the film set.
“There are individuals who were witnesses to or experienced misconduct that is relevant to Ms Lively’s claims. We expect their testimony, particularly about what took place on set, will come out through live witness testimony,” he said.
He also confirmed that both parties will soon begin the legal discovery process.
“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,” he stated.
The legal battle adds further controversy to the film, which has already drawn public attention due to delays in release and off-screen tensions.
Separately, Baldoni is facing legal action from his former publicist, Steph Jones of PR firm Jonesworks.
In a lawsuit filed last year, Jones accused Baldoni of breaching a contract that obligated him to pay $25,000 for public relations services.
