Why Blake Lively Hired a Former CIA Official Amid Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively has enlisted former CIA deputy chief of staff Nick Shapiro to assist in her ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. This move comes as the high-profile legal battle intensifies and both sides prepare for a lengthy courtroom showdown. Blake Lively has hired the CIA’s former deputy chief of staff Nick Shapiro for help in her ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit against It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni. Blake Lively is enlisting extra help in her legal battle with It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni.

Blake Lively Strengthens Legal Team with Crisis Expert

Attorneys for the Gossip Girl star have secured Nick Shapiro, who previously served as the deputy chief of staff for the CIA under President Barack Obama. Shapiro will be advising on legal communications strategy in connection with the ongoing case in the Southern District of New York, as confirmed by Lively’s legal team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, according to a report from Variety on Feb. 28, 2025. Shapiro was with the CIA from March 2013 to May 2015 under President Barack Obama’s administration, during which he served as the senior advisor to then-CIA director John Brennan, according to his LinkedIn.

Shapiro’s extensive background in crisis management makes him a strategic asset for Lively’s case. He worked with the CIA from March 2013 to May 2015, during which he was a senior advisor to then-CIA director John Brennan. After leaving government service, he transitioned into corporate security roles, including serving as Visa’s vice president of global security and communications and later acting as Airbnb’s global head of crisis management. In 2018, he launched 10th Avenue Consulting LLC, a firm specializing in high-profile crisis response and risk management.

This development suggests that Lively is preparing for an intense and highly scrutinized trial, given the prominence of the allegations and the parties involved.

Legal Battle Escalates Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni

The lawsuit, which Lively first filed in December 2024, alleges that Baldoni fostered a toxic work environment during the making of the Colleen Hoover adaptation It Ends With Us. Lively claims that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior and, when she spoke out, he retaliated against her by launching a smear campaign to discredit her professionally.

In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit, alleging that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, conspired with a public relations firm to defame him. His legal team has argued that the accusations against him are false and strategically orchestrated to damage his reputation.

The legal proceedings have attracted major media attention, with entertainment industry insiders closely watching how the case unfolds. Given the stakes involved, both parties are assembling powerful legal teams, and the addition of Shapiro signals Lively’s intent to handle the case with an aggressive crisis management strategy.

Blake Lively’s Publicist Fights Back Against Allegations

A significant turning point in the case occurred on Feb. 20, 2025, when Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, filed a motion seeking dismissal from the legal proceedings. Baldoni had previously accused Sloane of spreading false information about him to the press, but her legal team countered that there is no basis for his claims.

According to court documents obtained by E! News, Sloane’s attorney described Baldoni’s accusations as a “smoke and mirrors” distraction tactic, meant to divert attention from Lively’s serious allegations against him.

Sloane’s legal team further stated, “Mr. Baldoni has presented no concrete evidence to support his claims, and his attempts to involve Ms. Sloane in this lawsuit are entirely without merit.”

Hollywood’s Reaction to the Legal Battle

Given the high-profile nature of both Lively and Baldoni, the lawsuit has sparked widespread discussion in Hollywood. While neither party has made public statements outside of their legal filings, industry insiders are closely monitoring the case. Some reports suggest that major studios are hesitant to work with Baldoni until the lawsuit is resolved, while others claim that Lively’s decision to take legal action could have a lasting impact on how misconduct allegations are handled in the entertainment industry.

In recent years, Hollywood has seen a shift toward increased accountability, with more actors, producers, and executives being called out for alleged workplace misconduct. If Lively’s case proceeds to trial, it could set a precedent for how future harassment allegations are addressed in major film productions.

Nick Shapiro’s Role in the Case

As an expert in crisis response, Nick Shapiro is expected to play a key role in shaping public perception of the lawsuit. His expertise in navigating high-profile legal disputes and managing media narratives makes him a valuable asset to Lively’s team.

Shapiro’s past experience working with global corporations like Visa and Airbnb, as well as his time in the CIA, suggests that his role in the case will focus on ensuring that Lively’s side of the story is effectively communicated to the public while mitigating any reputational damage.

Additionally, his expertise in legal strategy may help Lively’s legal team prepare for intense courtroom battles, especially given the countersuit filed by Baldoni.

What’s Next?

As the legal battle progresses, a trial date has been set for March 2026, meaning both sides have nearly two years to gather evidence, depose witnesses, and strengthen their cases.

Entertainment industry analysts predict that the case could have long-term implications for workplace culture in Hollywood, particularly in how actors, producers, and film executives address and respond to allegations of misconduct.

Key Points to Watch

• Blake Lively’s next legal move: Will she file additional claims against Baldoni or amend her lawsuit?

• Justin Baldoni’s countersuit: How will the court handle his claims of defamation and conspiracy?

• Nick Shapiro’s role: How will his crisis management expertise influence the case’s public narrative?

• Hollywood’s reaction: Will the case lead to further policy changes in how film sets handle allegations of misconduct?

As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: this legal battle is far from over, and both sides appear committed to fighting it out in court.

With high-profile attorneys, a former CIA official, and A-list celebrities involved, the case is shaping up to be one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal disputes in years.