Justin Baldoni’s legal team has struck Blake Lively For claims of “financial and reputational damages” related to the alleged smear campaign.On the failure of Blake Lively’s brandIn a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, Baldoni’s lawyers alleged that the actor had a record of unsuccessful projects, including his own drinks brand. The failure of the brand was attributed to its lack of popularity, rather than any ‘smear campaign’.Attorney Amir Kaltgrad told the court that the company “didn’t succeed without having anything to do with the defendants,” and Lively’s accountant, Jeffrey Kinrich, noted. According to the documents, Lively’s side appears to support part of that claim because “the director had doubts about the profitability and sustainability of Betty Buzz for reasons unrelated to online manipulation.”The arguments come as both sides prepare for a civil trial scheduled for May 18.Justin Baldoni Says Blake Lively Is ‘Unlikable’Baldoni’s legal team also cited Blake Lively’s past public behavior, citing criticism of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, before the release of the 2024 film.Lively delved into Kate’s digitally altered family photo that caught worldwide attention in March 2024. A few days later, the princess publicly announced her cancer diagnosis, and Lively apologized.Justin Baldoni questions Blake Lively’s multi-million dollar claimsBaldoni’s lawyers also disputed Lively’s claim for financial losses, which include US$143 million in lost earnings, US$132 million in lost profits and several million more in endorsements.Attorney for Blake Lively’s EarningsCalling the numbers “pie in the sky,” Kaltgrad noted that Lively earned roughly $21 million from four film projects in the eight years leading up to ‘It Ends With Us.’ In contrast, his expert witness, entertainment lawyer Richard Marks, estimated that the film could have earned US$142 million in the five years following its release. Kaltgrad criticized the projection, stating that it was based on an “unrealistic assumption”.“Blake Lively to take overLively’s legal team, however, said it suffered significant financial and reputational damage. Lively’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, said outside court: “Blake’s hope is to be able to have his voice heard in that courtroom and that’s what we’re working towards right now.”McCawley added: “Blake has been ready for this trial, this is the moment he’s been waiting for a long time, to have his voice heard in this courtroom. He feels great … he’s finally at a point where he can speak for himself.”Earlier this month, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims against Baldoni. The lawsuit will now proceed with the remaining three claims: breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation.
