Celebrity Card Backfires? Blake Lively Now Under Official Investigation This Week

NEW YORK, NY — In the latest twist of a fast-escalating legal war between two of Hollywood’s most high-profile names, actress Blake Lively is officially set to be deposed this Thursday, July 18, as part of her ongoing civil lawsuit against actor-director Justin Baldoni.

What’s grabbing headlines isn’t just the deposition itself, but the court’s recent decision to allow Lively to choose the location, a rare and strategic win for her legal team — and one that underscores the intense stakes and sensitive nature of the case.

Judge Grants Lively Key Legal Control

On July 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled in favor of Blake Lively’s request to conduct the deposition at a private, secure location of her choosing in New York City — far from courtrooms or public venues.

The judge cited “exceptional circumstances” as the justification, noting Lively’s personal safety, public exposure as a celebrity, and the need for strict confidentiality in such a high-profile legal matter.

Alongside the location ruling, the court issued a protective order that includes the following:

• Justin Baldoni’s legal team must submit a full list of attendees by July 15

• No recording, livestreaming, or public broadcast of the deposition is permitted

• All communications and evidence, including emails, text messages, and voice recordings, will be kept strictly confidential and restricted to legal counsel only

• Lively’s legal team must be provided access to secured technical equipment, including computers and printers, for use during the deposition

This legal framework aims to ensure that the deposition process remains protected, focused, and free of media influence or public spectacle — a core concern raised by Lively’s legal representatives since the case began.

From Movie Set to Federal Courtroom: How It All Began

The roots of the legal firestorm stretch back to late 2024, when Blake Lively filed a civil suit against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director on the romantic drama It Ends With Us.

In the lawsuit, Lively alleged that Baldoni had engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and harmful behavior, including:

• Verbal sexual harassment on set

• Emotional manipulation and coercive behavior

• Creating a hostile work environment that persisted even after production ended

According to court documents, Lively claimed that her attempts to report and address the behavior were dismissed or minimized by those around Baldoni, and that he later retaliated by launching a targeted smear campaign in the media, allegedly involving a network of publicists and industry allies.

Baldoni’s $400M Countersuit — And Its Collapse

In January 2025, Baldoni filed a massive $400 million countersuit, accusing Lively of defamation, fraud, and intentional emotional distress. He claimed that Lively — with the support of her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, and her public relations team — orchestrated a campaign of false allegations to damage his career and reputation.

However, in June 2025, Judge Liman dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit in its entirety, citing California’s Civil Rights protections and anti-SLAPP legislation, which protects individuals who speak out about harassment or discrimination from retaliatory lawsuits.

This ruling was seen as a significant blow to Baldoni’s legal strategy, although his attorneys have stated they plan to appeal certain elements of the dismissal.

The Madison Square Garden Proposal That Shocked Everyone

If the case wasn’t already surreal enough, Baldoni’s lead attorney Bryan Freedman made headlines — and raised eyebrows — when he suggested holding the deposition at Madison Square Garden.

Yes, that Madison Square Garden — with public tickets sold, livestreams broadcast globally, and the proceeds going to charity.

The proposal was immediately slammed by Lively’s team, who described it as a “grotesque publicity stunt” and “an insult to the seriousness of the legal process.”

Judge Liman agreed, and quickly rejected the idea, reaffirming the deposition would be held behind closed doors, without press, cameras, or third-party access.

What to Expect at the July 18 Deposition

Scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2025, the private deposition is expected to last several hours and will likely involve both direct testimony from Blake Lively and cross-examination by Baldoni’s attorneys.

Topics likely to be discussed include:

• Specific incidents of alleged harassment and emotional abuse during production

• Digital communications, such as emails, texts, and call logs between the two parties

• Alleged efforts by Baldoni or his representatives to undermine Lively in the media

• The aftermath of the alleged conduct, including emotional distress and damage to Lively’s professional standing

Legal experts note that depositions like this are often critical turning points in complex civil litigation — especially in cases involving celebrity reputation and misconduct claims.

Social Media Spotlight: #BlakeVsBaldoni Gains Steam

While the trial hasn’t even begun, public opinion is already forming on social media, where the hashtag #BlakeVsBaldoni is beginning to trend across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Reddit.

Fan edits, legal breakdowns, and emotional testimonials have flooded timelines as people debate the case, dissect legal filings, and take sides.

Some see Blake Lively as a symbol of strength and accountability, applauding her for taking a public stand in an industry still plagued by misconduct. Others argue that Justin Baldoni is being unfairly villainized, with his defenders saying he’s become the victim of a career-damaging narrative without trial.

The Road Ahead: Full Trial Set for March 2026

While the deposition marks a significant milestone, the full trial is still months away, with proceedings scheduled to begin in March 2026 at the U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

Between now and then, both teams are expected to continue filing motions, submitting evidence, and issuing carefully calculated statements to the press.

Sources suggest more revelations may surface in the coming months — including additional documents, expert testimony, and potentially third-party witness accounts from the production set of It Ends With Us.

Final Takeaway

This case is no longer just a private dispute between two Hollywood stars — it’s become a high-profile legal war that puts celebrity privilege, gender politics, and the power of media spin on full display.

Whether this ends with a court ruling, a settlement, or a total public fallout remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the July 18 deposition could change everything.

Whether you’re Team Blake, Team Baldoni, or just along for the ride, this is one Hollywood story no one will stop watching.

Stay with us for real-time updates, verified developments, and legal breakdowns as this case continues to unfold