Justin Baldoni Hits Back At Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds' Gag Order Request
The tension between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively reportedly escalated after her sexual harassment claims.
The simmering feud between Justin Baldoni and Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has taken a sharp turn, with Baldoni’s camp calling out what they see as a shocking double standard. They’re pushing back against the couple’s attempt to silence Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, through a gag order, describing the move as nothing short of grossly unfair. The tension reportedly escalated after Lively’s sexual harassment claims, initially published by The New York Times, sparked widespread attention.
Now, Baldoni’s camp is calling out what they see as an attempt to silence Freedman, who has been vocal in defending his client. “It’s grossly unfair," insiders close to the It Ends With Us director reportedly said, adding that the couple’s motion to prevent Freedman from speaking to the media is “unbelievable." According to sources, Freedman has merely been pushing back against what they describe as Lively’s alleged “takedown campaign."
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Meanwhile, representatives for Lively, 37, and Reynolds, 48, have yet to address the brewing controversy publicly, reports Page Six.
The power couple has officially requested a protective order to stop Freedman from sharing any discovery materials with the press. In a letter to Judge Lewis J Liman on Tuesday, Lively’s legal team argued that Freedman’s public commentary could jeopardise the integrity of a potential trial.
“As Ms Lively’s counsel have attempted, repeatedly, to caution Mr Freedman, federal litigation must be conducted in court and according to the relevant rules of professional conduct," the letter states, according to various reports.
The letter reportedly accuses Freedman of engaging in a relentless media blitz. It claims he has given interviews, appeared on podcasts, issued “inflammatory" statements and leaked documents, some as seemingly minor as preservation demands, to the entertainment press and tabloids “almost daily" since Lively filed her complaint on December 20.
Furthermore, the couple’s legal team alleges that Freedman’s actions are “deliberately aimed at undermining the ‘character, credibility and reputation’ of numerous relevant parties," informs Page Six.
This legal clash follows Baldoni’s release of raw footage from It Ends With Us, which he claims discredits Lively’s allegations. Baldoni, 40, has vehemently denied the harassment claims and is reportedly preparing to launch a website aimed at dismantling what his team sees as baseless accusations against him.
With both sides locked in an increasingly bitter battle, the case is shaping up to be as dramatic as any screenplay. Whether the judge will grant Lively and Reynolds’ gag order remains to be seen, but it’s clear that neither party is backing down anytime soon.
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