Blake Lively calls Ryan Reynolds as witness in high-stakes trial with Justin Baldoni
A judge recently dismissed several major claims, narrowing the scope of the lawsuit
Blake Lively has named her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as a witness in her ongoing legal battle with It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, as the case moves closer to trial next month.
In a new court filing submitted April 11, Lively, 38, outlined a list of individuals she intends to call to testify when proceedings begin in May in New York.
The actress herself is expected to take the stand, along with Reynolds, 49, and Baldoni, 42.
According to the filing, Reynolds is expected to provide testimony related to the film’s production and promotion, as well as the alleged retaliation and damages central to the case.
The witness list also includes several of Lively’s co-stars, including Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer, as well as her sister Robyn Lively.
Additional names include Baldoni’s former publicist Stephanie Jones, his former podcast co-host Liz Plank, and crisis PR executive Melissa Nathan.
Colleen Hoover, author of the bestselling novel on which the film is based, is also listed as a potential witness, with her testimony expected to be delivered via deposition.
Lively’s legal team is seeking significant financial compensation, estimating damages between approximately $142 million and $300 million.
The case centers on allegations that Baldoni subjected Lively to misconduct and orchestrated a retaliatory campaign to harm her reputation—claims he has denied.
The latest filing comes shortly after a key court ruling that significantly narrowed the scope of the lawsuit. On April 2, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims, including allegations of harassment, defamation and conspiracy.
However, several claims—such as breach of contract and retaliation-related allegations—were allowed to proceed.
The ruling has intensified legal disputes over what evidence and testimony will ultimately be presented in court.
While Baldoni’s legal team argues the case should be limited based on the dismissed claims, Lively’s attorneys maintain that a broader set of witnesses is necessary to establish damages and alleged retaliation.
Lively’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, said the dismissed claims were rejected on legal technicalities rather than a reflection of the case’s merits, describing them as central to her overall argument.
The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18 and is expected to last approximately 15 days.