Courtroom drama builds as Justin Baldoni prepares to testify in Lively trial
The actor steps forward despite being dismissed from the lawsuit
Justin Baldoni is set to take the stand in the upcoming It Ends with Us trial, even after being dismissed as a defendant, signaling a new turn in the escalating legal battle with Blake Lively.
According to a recent court filing, Baldoni’s legal team confirmed that he will testify in person to counter allegations that he participated in a smear campaign against Lively.
His attorneys argued that his testimony remains “relevant” despite his removal from the case, alongside other previously named figures connected to the dispute.
The filing comes as both sides intensify pretrial preparations ahead of the scheduled May 18 trial in New York. Baldoni’s lawyers also pushed back against Lively’s request for immediate clarity on which witnesses will appear live versus via deposition, highlighting ongoing disagreements over trial logistics.
The case recently shifted significantly after U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims earlier this month.
The dismissed allegations included harassment, defamation, and conspiracy — a ruling widely seen as a major setback for the actress’s case.
However, several claims remain active, including breach of contract and retaliation-related allegations, which will proceed to trial against other defendants, including Wayfarer Studios, the production company co-founded by Baldoni.
In response to the ruling, Lively said through her attorney that she is prepared to testify and is looking forward to presenting her case in court.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s legal team acknowledged that the court’s decision has “significantly changed the landscape” of the trial, suggesting that their strategy is still evolving in light of the narrowed claims.
As part of the pretrial schedule, both parties have been ordered to finalize their witness and exhibit lists, offering a clearer preview of the legal arguments expected in court.