Key Takeaways:
- A legal expert claims Blake Lively has a stronger sexual harassment case against Justin Baldoni.
- The documentary Dispute: Lively vs. Baldoni explores conflicting accounts from both parties.
- Baldoni denies allegations, filing a $400M defamation lawsuit against Lively and Ryan Reynolds.
- The legal battle continues as both sides prepare for discovery.
Legal Expert Weighs In: Blake Lively’s Harassment Claims Hold More Weight
In the latest development of the high-profile legal feud between actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni, a legal expert has stated that Lively may have the “stronger case” in her sexual harassment lawsuit.
The ongoing dispute is the focus of the new documentary Dispute: Lively vs. Baldoni, which premiered on March 31, 2025, and is now streaming on Max. The film dives deep into the allegations between the It Ends With Us co-stars, featuring insights from reporters, intimacy coordinators, PR professionals, and legal analysts.
Why Blake Lively’s Case May Be Stronger
Attorney Dina Doll, a legal analyst featured in the documentary, shared her professional opinion:
“Blake Lively has the stronger case because Justin Baldoni’s arguments about fame and control don’t refute her sexual harassment claims.”
Doll pointed to specific allegations in Lively’s lawsuit, including:
- Improvised kissing scenes without consent
- Inappropriate on-set comments about his genitalia
- Discussions of pornography in a professional setting
According to Doll, these claims provide a solid foundation for a harassment case, regardless of the context.
Conflicting Accounts: Harassment vs. Consensual Behavior
While Lively maintains that she faced unwanted advances on set, Baldoni has denied the allegations, insisting that any interactions were mutual and consensual.
Doll notes that Baldoni’s defense does not deny the events occurred but argues they were not one-sided, as Lively claims.
The Fallout: Defamation Lawsuits and Career Repercussions
The legal battle escalated in December 2024 when The New York Times published Lively’s allegations. Baldoni’s legal team responded aggressively, calling the claims:
“Completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”
Baldoni has since filed a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of using their influence to damage his career.
Lively’s attorneys have dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless,” while Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, vows to debunk her claims in court:
“Her fantastical claims will be swiftly debunked as discovery moves forward. She will be held accountable for her actions of pure malice.”
What’s Next in the Legal Battle?
As the case progresses, key developments to watch include:
- Discovery phase – Will new evidence emerge to support either side?
- Documentary impact – Could public perception sway legal outcomes?
- Industry repercussions – How will this affect Baldoni’s directing career and Lively’s reputation?
Final Thoughts: A Case That Could Reshape Hollywood Accountability
This high-stakes legal battle highlights ongoing issues of power dynamics and harassment in Hollywood. Whether Lively’s claims prevail or Baldoni’s defamation case succeeds, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the entertainment industry.
Stay updated on this case and other industry news by following Project Casting for the latest casting calls, entertainment jobs, and breaking Hollywood updates.
