New testimony from two additional accusers in Blake Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni could play a pivotal role in the case.
Lively, who has accused Baldoni of “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” on set,
claims that two unnamed female cast members are now willing to testify about their own alleged experiences with the actor and director.
Legal Expert: Witness Testimony Could “Make or Break” the Case
Lively’s legal team
recently amended her lawsuit to include testimony from these two individuals, though their names have been withheld due to concerns over threats and retaliation.
Legal experts believe this new evidence could significantly impact the outcome of the case.
“In cases involving subjective experience, third-party witnesses can make or break the case,” legal expert Heidi Reavis told Fox News Digital.
“If third-party witnesses can support Lively’s version of events, and especially if Baldoni cannot, she will definitely have the upper hand when it comes to her credibility and the veracity of her claims.”
The lawsuit states that these new witnesses have given Lively permission to disclose the substance of their claims and are prepared to testify and provide documents during the discovery process.
Threats and Retaliation Allegations Prevent Full Disclosure
Lively’s legal team chose not to include the names of the witnesses in the amended complaint, citing safety concerns due to alleged threats and intimidation tactics.
“The dangerous climate of threats, harassment, and intimidation fueled by the Defendants’ retaliation campaign has required Ms. Lively to alter her personal and professional life, and to take steps to protect innocent bystanders rather than exposing them to further harm,” the lawsuit states.
As a result, while the witnesses’ statements are referenced in the legal filing, full details have not been made public. The lawsuit does, however, indicate that the two women will provide further evidence during the trial, which is scheduled for 2026.
Did the Witnesses Previously Report Baldoni’s Behavior?
One question that remains unclear is whether the two female cast members ever officially reported Baldoni’s alleged conduct. However, according to legal expert Reavis, that detail does not diminish the potential weight of their testimony.
“It’s well known that most subjects of harassment and discrimination do not come forward out of fear of retaliation,” Reavis explained. “Certainly, if they did come forward earlier concerning either their own issues or complaining about Baldoni’s treatment of Lively, that would have been helpful, but not to have done so is not fatal to their testimony.”
Additionally, their testimony could play a role in shaping any claims about a hostile work environment. The lawsuit also raises questions about whether Sony, the production company behind It Ends With Us, was aware of any harassment concerns on set. While Sony has not been accused of wrongdoing or named in the lawsuit, the company’s potential knowledge of Baldoni’s alleged behavior may be examined during the legal proceedings.
Allegations of Unwelcome Behavior on Set
According to Lively, she first became aware of the two female cast members’ concerns in May 2023. The lawsuit claims that one of the women hesitated to speak up, fearing the consequences of doing so.
Lively reportedly acknowledged this concern, telling the woman that she had to “tread carefully” in order to “salvage some degree of chemistry and camaraderie” with Baldoni, who was both her co-star and the film’s director.
The lawsuit also details specific incidents that allegedly took place on set, including claims that Baldoni secretly recorded the female cast members and made an inappropriate remark about one of their wardrobes. In one instance, Lively alleges that Baldoni once asked her directly if he had “crossed a line.” When she responded affirmatively, he allegedly joked that he “must’ve missed the sexual harassment meeting.”
What’s Next in the Legal Battle?
With the addition of new witnesses, Lively’s case against Baldoni appears to be growing stronger. However, Baldoni has continued to deny the allegations and has filed a countersuit against Lively, claiming she falsely accused him in an effort to repair her reputation.
The legal battle between the two stars is expected to play out over the next several years, with the trial currently set for 2026. The new witness testimony could be a turning point in the case, but whether it will be enough to sway the court remains to be seen.
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