Blake Lively's lawyers ‘tried to blackmail Taylor Swift'
Blake Lively's lawyer threatened to leak private messages between the actress and Taylor Swift if the singer did not release a statement supporting her, it has been alleged.
The explosive claim was made in a legal filing as part of Lively's lawsuit against her It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni. Lively sued Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment in December before he counter-sued for defamation. A trial date has been set for next year in New York.
The latest round in the tit-for-tat involves Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's lawyer, accusing Lively's team of essentially trying to extort support from Swift. Mike Gottlieb, Lively's lawyer, has denied the claim.
In a filing, Freedman told the judge overseeing the case that he and his legal team were 'informed
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Sly Stone dead at 82: Funk legend during the 60s passes away as cause of death is revealed
The frontman for American funk legends Sly And The Family Stone has died at 82. Sly Stone's family announced the influential musician's death in a statement released Monday. They revealed that he had a prolonged battle with Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which was complicated by other underlying health issues. The artist's family wrote: 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. 'Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. 'While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.' His band Sly And The Family Stone is credited as one of the most influential bands in the development of funk, soul, R&B, rock and psychedelic music. The statement continued: 'Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. 'His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.' The family continued by revealing that those who are interested in reading about the life of the music legend can do by reading his memoir released last year. The statement read: 'In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024. 'We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly's life and his iconic music. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.' His pioneering band was best known for their hits Dance To The Music, Everyday People, and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). Sly And The Family Stone included two of his actual siblings - Freddie and Rose Stone - as they formed in San Francisco, California in 1966. The artist was born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943 before his entire family moved out west. His nickname Sly came when classmate had misspelled his name. Then when he changed his stage surname from Stewart to Stone, his two siblings who were in his band also followed suit. He had began performing in bands throughout high school before going on to study music at Solano Community College. However, his music career began as he left school to work as a DJ for San Francisco radio station KSOL and worked with many emerging acts. Then in 1966, he and his brother combined their bands. Sly's band was called Sly And The Stoners while Freddie's was named Freddie And The Stone Souls. Of their decision to unite, Sly wrote in his 2023 memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): 'The band had a concept — White and Black together, male and female both, and women not just singing but playing instruments. 'That was a big deal back then, and it was a big deal on purpose.' The band released their debut album - titled A Whole New Thing - in 1967. That same year they performed at he iconic Woodstock. They enjoyed plenty of success until the 1970s when Sly's drug issues began to come to a head. By 1975, his drug problems and interpersonal clashes led to dissolution but he remained with the band and continued to tour with a rotating lineup. However, his drug problems forced his effective retirement in 1987. Sly And The Family Stone were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993 but he kept his distance from the rest of the band. Sly was married to model-actress Kathy Silva from 1974 to 1976 and separated after their son Sylvester Jr. was mauled by his dog. He also two daughters: Sylvyette Phunne with Cynthia Robinson in 1976 and Novena Carmel whom he welcomed in 1982.
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Blake Lively's tie to judge's brother revealed after her shocking win in Justin Baldoni case
Fans erupted online after it was revealed that Blake Lively has a connection to Judge Lewis J. Liman, who dismissed Justin Baldoni 's $400 million countersuit against her. On Monday, Judge Liman—currently serving on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York—threw out Baldoni's defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times. The judge found that Lively's statements were made within privileged court documents and therefore could not serve as the basis for Baldoni's claims. The legal battle stems from December 2024, when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on set—allegations he denied—prompting him and Wayfarer Studios to file a defamation suit against Lively, Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane, which all three have denied. After the ruling, online attention quickly shifted to Judge Liman's family ties: he is the brother of Hollywood director Doug Liman, who worked with Lively in 2008 when she and then-boyfriend Penn Badgley appeared in a pro-Obama commercial directed by Liman for Youth Vote program. After the ruling, online attention quickly shifted to Judge Liman's family ties: he is the brother of Hollywood director Doug Liman, who worked with Lively in 2008 when she and then-boyfriend Penn Badgley appeared in a pro-Obama commercial directed by Liman for Youth Vote program; (Doug seen in 2024) Social media buzzed about the bizarre link after an X user posted, 'FUN FACT: the Judge that dismissed Justin Baldoni's claims against Blake Lively is Lewis Liman, brother to Hollywood director, Doug Liman Doug and Blake worked together years ago, small world.' Some users responded by accusing Lively and Reynolds of wielding influence behind the scenes, calling for Judge Liman to have recused himself. Another added, 'I don't understand how he could preside then. That's a conflict of interest I'd assume.' Others dismissed the controversy as overblown, noting that Lively's only connection to Doug Liman was a brief appearance in a commercial nearly two decades ago. As one user pointed out, 'Because his brother directed a show with thousands of actors 18 years ago, his years of being a lawyer and judge become invalid? Y'all are delusional and ridiculous.' Another echoed, 'You think this judge would dismiss a lawsuit because Blake did a COMMERCIAL with his brother? Lmfao.' has not received a response to its request for comment from either Lively or Baldoni's representatives. Judge Lewis J. Liman currently serves on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, having been confirmed to the bench in December 2019 after a distinguished legal career that included roles as an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of Appeals in the same district, according to Coulder Institute. A graduate of Harvard College (1983), Liman also holds an with distinction in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a J.D. from Yale Law School. His brother Doug pursued a career in film, directing major Hollywood projects such as The Bourne Identity franchise, indie films like Swingers and Locked Down, and working with Tom Cruise on Live Die Repeat and American Made. While social media users continue to debate the issue, there has been no clear indication of a legal conflict of interest in this situation at this time. On Monday, Lively released a statement hours after Judge Liman dismissed Baldoni's case. Lively, who shares four children with husband Ryan Reynolds, vowed that she was 'more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman's right to have a voice in protecting themselves, including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story.' 'With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me, many of you I know,' Lively said. 'Many of you I don't. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.' Liman dismissed Baldoni's suit alleging defamation and extortion on the basis that all Lively's allegations were made within privileged court papers. Liman said in the order obtained by 'The Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Lively is responsible for any statements other than the statements in her CRD complaint, which are privileged. 'The Wayfarer Parties have alleged that Reynolds and [publicist Leslie] Sloane made additional statements accusing Baldoni of sexual misconduct and that the Times made additional statements accusing the Wayfarer Parties of engaging in a smear campaign. 'But the Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Reynolds, Sloane or the Times would have seriously doubted these statements were true based on the information available to them, as is required for them to be liable for defamation under applicable law. 'The Wayfarer Parties' additional claims also fail. Accordingly, the Amended Complaint must be dismissed in its entirety.' The judge ruled: 'The Times reviewed the available evidence and reported, perhaps in a dramatized manner, what it believed to have happened. The Times had no obvious motive to favor Lively's version of events.' Liman, however, did state the Wayfarer Parties will be able to file a second amended complaint by June 23, 2025 but are only able to amend the allegations 'relevant to the claims of tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant.' Lively in December sued Baldoni amid claims of sexual harassment during production of the motion picture. In her lawsuit, the Gossip Girl alum accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her in multiple ways — including body shaming her — and orchestrating a smear campaign against her to damage her reputation. Baldoni and his reps have said in response to the lawsuit that Lively twisted the meaning of text messages and mislead the public about their interactions while making the motion picture. In her lawsuit, Lively named a number of Baldoni's collaborators, including his company Wayfarer Studios, the studio's CEO and financial backer, and PR personnel Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel. Baldoni subsequently sued the newspaper for $250 million in a defamation claim over a December 21 story titled '"We Can Bury Anyone": Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine ;' the newspaper has denied the allegations. Baldoni on January 16 filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds and her publicist Leslie Sloane, alleging defamation and extortion.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Celebrity TV host Patricia Fuenmayor tragically dies of cancer as tributes pour in
Television host and former Venezuelan beauty queen Patricia Fuenmayor has tragically died at age of 51 following a battle with cancer. News of Fuenmayor's death was revealed by her colleague, Raúl González, during Univision's Despierta America morning show Monday. 'This is news we don't like to share,' he said. 'The Despierta América family has suffered a great loss. Our friend and colleague Patricia Fuenmayor passed away early this morning after a tough battle with cancer.' 'Despierta América is in mourning. With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to our beloved colleague Patricia Fuenmayor, a contributor in New York,' read a note on the show's Instagram account. It described Fuenmayor 'a passionate, professional woman, always dedicated to her reporting.' 'Thank you, Patricia, for your light, your dedication, and your smile,' the note added. 'We will always remember you.' Fuenamayor joined Univision in April 2017 and spent the last eight years working in a variety of roles. She caught her big break in the New York market when Univision named her anchor of its morning news program, Al Despertar, in November 2020. She took on the role of Despierta America correspondent in April 2023 until the time of her death. Fuenmayor pursued a career in modeling and was a finalist in the Miss Venezuela pageant in 1997. She found a career in journalism in 2003, when she joined RCTV International and spent seven years as a host. In 2013, she oined Venevision, where she worked as a presenter on the popular weekend variety program, Sábado Sensacional! Fuenmayor revealed during a 2021 Despierta America segment that she and her husband, surgeon Jorge Safar Pérez, fled Venezuela after he was kidnapped. They moved to the United States and eventually settled in New York, where she met a friend who helped her land her first job with Univision. 'We spent a year searching, trying, learning. We didn't speak the language, but hey, here we are,' Fuenmayor recalled. 'That dark night (of the kidnapping) turned into a blessing because we were able to grow as a family, giving importance to other things like helping our family in Venezuela.' Venezuelan journalist spent the last eight years at Univision working several roles, including correspondent of the network's morning show, Despierta America Fuenmayor's death stunned her Univision family. 'We love you, Pat, the woman with the most beautiful Venezuelan accent!' wrote Lilliana Allende, Fuenamayor's former coworker at Univision 41 in New York. 'Beautiful family. Rest in peace, beautiful, cheerful, and good-vibe woman. We'll always remember your charisma, your laughter, and your memorable moments.' 'Thank you, Patricia, for so much!' wrote Univision Chicago's Carolina Sulbaran. 'Thank you for that smile, for your joy, and for your wise words, the greatest when I arrived in this country.' Fuenmayor is survived by her husband and their two children Sarah 14, and Fer, 13.
