Thu Jan 23 18:30:00 IST 2025: ## Blake Lively’s Lawyers Accuse Justin Baldoni’s Attorney of Misconduct in Ongoing Legal Battle

**New York, NY** – Blake Lively’s legal team is demanding a court hearing to address what they call the “misleading and selective” public statements made by Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, regarding their ongoing legal dispute. The accusations come after Freedman released video footage from the set of “It Ends With Us,” the film at the heart of the controversy, claiming it contradicts Lively’s account of events. He also announced plans to launch a website with additional materials aimed at discrediting Lively’s claims.

Lively’s lawyers filed a letter in the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, following the release of the video footage. The letter reveals that two cease-and-desist letters were previously sent – one to Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, and another directly to Freedman himself. The letters urged a halt to what they described as defamatory and retaliatory statements, emphasizing that lawyers are bound by professional standards distinct from those of publicists.

Despite the cease-and-desist letters, Lively’s legal team alleges that Freedman has continued a “harassing and retaliatory media campaign,” threatening to prejudice both Lively’s sexual harassment case and Baldoni’s defamation suit by influencing potential jurors. They are seeking a protective order and a hearing to address Freedman’s conduct.

The legal battle began in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, followed by a civil sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni. Lively alleges that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign in retaliation for her speaking out about a hostile work environment on the set of “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni denies these allegations and has filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. He also filed a separate $250 million libel suit against The New York Times for their reporting on the initial complaint. The New York Times maintains the accuracy of their reporting.

Lively’s lawyers contend that Baldoni’s actions are a textbook example of an abuser attempting to silence a victim. CNN has reached out to both Freedman and Lively’s representatives for comment.

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