Justin Baldoni's lawyers defend him, calling Blake Lively a 'bully' at pre-trial hearing

Attorneys representing Justin Baldoni's production company argued that Wayfarer Studios isn't responsible for Blake Lively's professional setbacks, labelling her a "bully" with a record of underwhelming business pursuits during a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the lawyers for the "It Ends With Us" director stated that Lively's lack of popularity led to business failures, such as her Betty Buzz beverages, rather than an alleged smear campaign — which Lively has accused Baldoni of leading.

The actors provided evidence in court before a trial scheduled for May 18, arising from a December 2024 sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Baldoni and his company.

Baldoni's legal team contended that Lively's irregular work pattern made the $132 million, which her representatives claimed she would have earned in the next five years, unrealistic.

According to the Daily Mail, Baldoni’s attorney Amir Kaltgrad argued that Lively had an inconsistent work history, referencing alleged proof of her reluctance to work full time, and noted she only made $21 million from various film projects over the eight years leading up to 2024's domestic violence drama.

Baldoni's attorneys additionally suggested in court that Lively's "bullying" involved in the 2024 Kate Middleton photoshop controversy displayed a pattern of negative behavior and resulted in reputational harm that Lively inflicted on herself.

Lively, 38, appeared to make fun of the Princess of Wales after a seemingly edited image of Middleton's family was released, with the "Gossip Girl" star then posting a comically edited picture on her Instagram.

Lively was prompted to apologise after it was disclosed that Middleton had a cancer diagnosis days later, calling her post "an unfortunate play during the 'photoshop fail' frenzy" and admitted the matter "deeply embarrassed" her.

Legal documents filed earlier this month disclosed that Lively’s claims of a “mean girl” campaign against her ultimately caused a $300 million loss in income and potential earnings, primarily from missed opportunities — including major studio films, independent projects, and a limited series — between August 2024 and August 2029.

She originally claimed in November 2025 that Baldoni’s alleged defamation campaign cost her $161 million.

Baldoni continually and firmly denies any misconduct. A $400 million countersuit filed by him in January 2025 was dismissed by a judge that June.

In a major setback, a judge dismissed 10 out of Lively's 13 claims earlier this month, leaving breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation as matters for the May 18 trial.

According to the Daily Mail, Lively’s attorney Sigrid McCawley stated that the "A Simple Favor" actress looks forward to the trial.