Blake Lively’s deposition transcript has been unsealed, revealing her accusations against Justin Baldoni’s lawyer for involvement in an alleged smear campaign. The actress claimed the campaign continues through retaliatory legal actions and public statements.
Who is involved: Actress Blake Lively (known for Gossip Girl and The Age of Adaline) and actor/director Justin Baldoni (Jane the Virgin) are engaged in an ongoing legal dispute. The conflict centers on Baldoni’s legal team, whom Lively directly accused during her deposition.
What happened: A portion of Lively’s deposition transcript became public, showing her responses to questioning about an alleged smear campaign. When asked when the campaign ended, Lively stated it ‘doesn’t feel like it’s ended’ and directly implicated Baldoni’s lawyer, saying ‘I believe you are’ involved in ongoing retaliatory actions through lawsuits and public statements.
When it occurred: The deposition took place in late July 2025, but the transcript was filed in court and made public on August 13, 2025. This release comes weeks after initial reports that Baldoni attended Lively’s deposition with his lawyers, which prompted her legal team to seek sanctions.
Where it happened: The legal proceedings are occurring in U.S. courts, though the specific jurisdiction remains undisclosed. The deposition itself would have been conducted in a legal setting, likely in California where both parties reside.
Why it happened: The dispute stems from an alleged smear campaign that Lively claims targets her reputation. She contends Baldoni’s lawsuit and associated legal maneuvers are themselves part of a retaliatory effort, stating the actions ‘have felt incredibly retaliatory’ during questioning.
How it unfolded: During the deposition, Baldoni’s lawyer pressed Lively about the campaign’s participants and timeline. Lively asserted that all defendants and the lawyer himself were involved, citing the ‘retaliatory lawsuit’ and related publicity. When asked for evidence, she declined to elaborate beyond conversations with her own attorney, invoking legal privilege.
Impact: The transcript’s release escalates the public feud between the celebrities and could influence ongoing legal proceedings. It also highlights the intensely personal nature of the dispute, with Lively’s direct accusation against opposing counsel being particularly unusual in high-profile cases.
What’s next: Legal experts anticipate further motions in the case, including possible sanctions against Baldoni’s team for alleged improper statements. The unsealed transcript may prompt additional media scrutiny and potentially affect both actors’ professional reputations as the case progresses toward trial.