In a shocking turn of events, Justin Baldoni’s legal team has accused Blake Lively’s attorney of threatening to release private text messages between Lively and Taylor Swift if Swift did not publicly support Lively in her ongoing legal battle with Baldoni. The allegations emerged in court documents obtained.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyers made a scathing accusation about Blake Lively.Getty Images
The Allegations
According to the filings, Michael Gottlieb, Lively’s lead counsel from Willkie Farr, allegedly demanded that Swift issue a statement of support for Lively. The documents claim that Gottlieb intimated that if Swift refused, private messages of a personal nature in Lively’s possession would be disclosed. Gottlieb has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as “cowardly” and “categorically false.” The legal team for Baldoni, who is involved in a countersuit against Lively for defamation and extortion, also claimed that Lively requested Swift to delete their text messages. They cited an anonymous source who purportedly has reliable information regarding the situation.
They claimed in a new court filing that Lively’s attorney threatened to release the actress’ alleged texts with Swift if the pop star did not publicly support her. Getty Images
Legal Responses
In response to these claims, Lively’s attorney has filed a motion to strike the allegations, emphasizing their baselessness. Gottlieb further criticized Baldoni’s legal team for making unfounded accusations, asserting that they often act without evidence and disregard the harm caused to individuals in the process. Baldoni’s legal team is seeking to obtain communications between Swift’s representatives and Gottlieb, stating that these would provide evidence of attempts to intimidate a witness in the ongoing litigation.
Background of the Legal Battle
The conflict arises from Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, where she alleges sexual harassment and other claims. Baldoni countersued, arguing that Lively’s legal actions were an attempt to control the narrative surrounding their film, It Ends With Us. In his complaint, Baldoni referenced a text from Lively that described Swift and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as “dragons” who protect her in her battles. Swift’s representatives have firmly denied any involvement in the film, asserting that she had no role in the production or creative decisions related to It Ends With Us, and that she did not even watch the film until weeks after its release.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Developments
As this legal drama unfolds, it has drawn significant media attention, raising questions about the implications of celebrity relationships in legal matters. Lively’s representative has accused Baldoni of acting as a “bully” for subpoenaing Swift, suggesting that he is transforming a serious case of harassment into a spectacle for the tabloids. With the situation continuing to develop, fans and observers are keenly watching how this high-profile legal battle will impact the careers and relationships of those involved.
