Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle is expected to escalate before either side considers settling, according to legal expert Gregory Doll. Doll, who is not involved in the case, predicts that the conflict will become more consuming and emotionally charged as it progresses. “It’s very nasty, and I think it’s going to get nastier,” he told PEOPLE.
Both parties face significant challenges ahead, with Doll emphasizing the financial and emotional toll that high-stakes litigation brings. He described the situation as “very consuming” and noted that even with skilled legal teams, the process will involve substantial costs and strain. This legal fight stems from serious allegations by Lively, who claims Baldoni harassed her and then retaliated when she spoke up.
Baldoni countersued with claims that Lively defamed him and attempted to control the narrative around their 2024 film It Ends With Us. He also filed a separate $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for publishing Lively’s allegations. Both sides appear determined to defend their positions, making this a contentious case with no immediate resolution in sight.
Pre-Trial Preparations Begin
Judge Lewis Liman, presiding over the case, has scheduled a pre-trial conference for February 12 to address key procedural issues. This meeting will focus on logistics like discovery timelines, witness depositions, and potential trial dates. Legal expert Doll explained that such conferences are critical in establishing the roadmap for a trial, including its duration and scope.
During the hearing, both parties will outline their strategies and discuss what evidence they plan to seek from each other. “They talk about what is the likely expectation for a trial date estimate… How many witnesses are going to be deposed? What kind of documents are you going to be seeking from one another?” Doll said.
The scheduling order issued after the conference will formalize these plans, ensuring both sides have a clear understanding of the timeline and requirements. Given the complexity of the allegations, this phase is expected to be thorough, with both parties preparing for an intense discovery process.
Discovery Phase May Escalate Tensions
The discovery phase, where evidence is gathered and witnesses are deposed, is often a turning point in legal cases. Doll predicts this stage could exacerbate tensions between Lively and Baldoni as new details come to light. “Once the parties start to see what was happening behind the scenes they didn’t know about, the emotion gets higher, they get more angry,” Doll explained.
This phase will likely involve intense scrutiny of communications, contracts, and other evidence that could support each party’s claims. Both Lively and Baldoni will seek to uncover information that strengthens their cases while exposing potential weaknesses in the other’s position. The stakes are particularly high given the serious nature of the allegations, which include sexual harassment, defamation, and retaliation.
The discovery process often propels cases forward by revealing previously unknown information. However, it can also prolong disputes and make resolution more challenging. In this case, the discovery phase is expected to be highly contentious, with both sides fighting to gain the upper hand.
Settling Likely After Discovery
Despite the current animosity, Doll believes the case will likely settle before going to trial. He cited studies showing that around 92 percent of civil cases are resolved through settlement rather than litigation. “Could this be within the 8 percent? It’s possible,” he said. “Statistically, it’s not likely.”
Settling would allow both parties to avoid the risks and public scrutiny of a trial while potentially reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. For Lively and Baldoni, a settlement could also help mitigate damage to their reputations and careers. However, the timing of any settlement will likely depend on the outcome of the discovery phase and the strength of each side’s case.
High-profile cases like this often see both sides weighing the costs and benefits of continuing litigation versus settling. While emotions are running high now, the practical considerations of time, money, and public perception may ultimately drive the parties toward a resolution outside of court.
Broader Implications of the Case
This legal battle has already sparked significant public interest, both for the specific allegations and for what it reveals about power dynamics in Hollywood. The case highlights issues of workplace harassment, retaliation, and the broader cultural conversation around accountability in the entertainment industry.
As the case unfolds, it may influence how similar disputes are handled in the future, potentially setting new precedents for legal battles involving high-profile figures. Both Lively and Baldoni are public figures with substantial fan bases, meaning the outcome of this case could have lasting implications for their careers and reputations.
For now, the focus remains on navigating the legal process, with both parties bracing for an emotionally and financially taxing journey. The eventual resolution, whether through settlement or trial, will likely shape public perceptions of both Lively and Baldoni for years to come.
