Justin Baldoni attends Blake Lively's deposition in person as the legal showdown heats up

"It Ends With Us" star and director Justin Baldoni reportedly attended Blake Lively's deposition in person on Thursday, July 31, as the contentious lawsuit between the two continues to unfold.

According to TMZ, sources close to the case say the 41-year-old actor-director was physically present as Lively, 37, was questioned by his legal team inside her lawyers' New York City office. 

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The sit-down comes amid a flurry of serious accusations and high-stakes legal maneuvers, starkly contrasting the on-screen love story the two were supposed to bring to life.

From Rom-Com to Real Courtroom Drama

The lawsuit stems from Lively's accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation against Baldoni during the production of "It Ends With Us," a highly anticipated adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. Baldoni has vehemently denied the claims.

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In response, Baldoni filed a massive $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging extortion and defamation. But in June, Judge Lewis J. Liman tossed those claims, and Baldoni's legal team ultimately chose not to amend or refile them, a significant legal retreat.

Still, Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman has remained vocal about their strategy moving forward. He told TMZ in June, "I'm gonna ask her questions under penalty of perjury... We're gonna see how consistent her testimony is with the actual facts." He emphasized Baldoni's desire to be vindicated: "He wants the truth to come out."

Why Baldoni's In-Person Appearance is Interesting

Depositions are typically conducted in conference rooms, not courtrooms, and high-profile individuals often avoid attending them unless they're being deposed. Baldoni's choice to be in the room as Lively was grilled by his lawyers was a clear, deliberate signal.

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It's worth noting that Judge Liman had issued a protective order granting Lively's legal team the right to control where the deposition took place and to be informed in advance of anyone attending. Baldoni's presence, therefore, wasn't uninvited, but it was certainly unexpected.

Legal experts say such a move can be read in two ways, as a power play designed to rattle the witness, or as a show of resolve from a defendant who believes deeply in their innocence. Either way, it adds a whole new layer of intensity to what was already one of the most talked-about celebrity legal cases of the year.

Lively Breaks Her Silence After Countersuit Dismissal

After Baldoni's countersuit was dismissed, Lively didn't hold back. In a public statement, she said, "Like so many others, I've felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. I'm more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman's right to have a voice in protecting themselves — their safety, their integrity, their dignity, and their story."

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Her message struck a chord online, with many rallying around the actress and advocating for accountability in the entertainment industry.

The legal fireworks aren't slowing down anytime soon. Both parties are expected to testify when the trial begins in March 2026, a date that already feels like the next season of an unfolding real-life series.

While neither Baldoni nor Lively's reps have commented publicly on the deposition, this is no longer a behind-the-scenes conflict. With each legal development, the personal and professional reputations of two of Hollywood's most recognizable names are on the line, and both sides are digging in.