Blake Lively scores major win as judge seals deposition transcript
A federal judge has granted her motion to remove her deposition transcript from the public court docket, ending a controversial episode in their legal battle.
Last week, Lively underwent a deposition in New York, questioned aggressively by Baldoni's legal team over her sexual harassment claims against him.
The deposition, nearly 300 pages long, was made public by Baldoni's lawyers, who represent Wayfarer Studios, the company behind the film.
Lively's lawyers said this disclosure lacked any valid legal purpose and was designed solely as a smear tactic to damage her reputation, according to Page Six.
Judge Lewis J. Liman supported Lively's motion and sharply criticised the release of the full transcript. He ruled: 'The Wayfarer Parties' attachment of the entire, nearly 300-page deposition, after citing only two pages of it, served no proper litigation purpose.'
He added that the move appeared to 'invite public speculation and scandal'. The judge emphasised that the defendants had failed to prove that the entire transcript was relevant to the case.
The judge also warned that Baldoni's team might exploit Lively's requests to seal irrelevant parts for their own media campaign.
'The Court has not only the power but also the responsibility to step in,' he said.
Baldoni, aged 41, denies all sexual harassment allegations. He even previously filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
He accused them of defamation and extortion. However, that suit was dismissed in June. The court expects both Lively and Baldoni to give testimony during the trial scheduled for March 2026.
Blake Lively, 37, has accused Baldoni of harassment on the set of their 2024 film. Additionally, her legal team alleges that Baldoni's publicists orchestrated a smear campaign against her.
Speaking about the judge's decision, a source close to Lively stated, 'This ruling is a huge step for Blake. It recognises the tactics used against her and protects her from unnecessary public scrutiny.'
The court ruling came after the transcript's publication caused a public stir, potentially harming Lively's public image.
The judge's decision is not only a win for Lively but also marks a stand against the misuse of legal documents for publicity stunts.
The legal battle continues to unfold, with the March trial promising more revelations. Fans of both stars will be keen to watch how this high-profile case evolves.
It puts a spotlight on issues of workplace harassment and media manipulation within international entertainment circles.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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