Actress Blake Lively is set to take the stand next week in an escalating legal battle involving filmmaker and actor Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit, originally filed in late 2024, has become one of the most closely watched entertainment cases of the year, intertwining defamation claims, breach of contract accusations, and now, a subpoena for Lively to provide sworn testimony.

Her upcoming deposition marks a turning point in the dispute — raising questions not only about her role in the case, but also about how deep the conflict goes behind the scenes of Baldoni’s recent projects.

How It All Started

The conflict centers around Baldoni’s 2024 film adaptation of It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Blake Lively starred in the lead role as Lily Bloom, while Baldoni served as director and producer.

Soon after filming wrapped, rumors swirled of creative disagreements between Lively and Baldoni. Industry whispers pointed to tensions during post-production, including disagreements over final cuts, promotional strategy, and Lively’s compensation structure. What began as private friction later erupted into a legal dispute that has since expanded to involve several parties, including publicists and production partners.

The Lawsuit Unfolds

In late 2024, Baldoni filed a complaint accusing certain unnamed individuals of defamation and interference with business relations, alleging damage to both his reputation and the film’s financial outcome.

Lively was not originally listed as a defendant, but documents filed in May 2025 revealed that her legal team had issued subpoenas to Baldoni’s publicity firm and requested access to internal communications. Sources say Lively aims to clear her name and protect her professional image amid what she calls a “campaign of misinformation.”

Why the Deposition Matters

The court has now scheduled Blake Lively’s sworn deposition for July 17, 2025. According to court insiders, Lively will be questioned by both her own attorneys and Baldoni’s legal team regarding key moments during and after the production of It Ends With Us.

The deposition is expected to focus on:

  • Creative conflicts during editing and post-production

  • Alleged verbal disputes during the final press tour

  • Private emails and texts that may contradict public narratives

  • The financial impact of the feud on the film’s distribution and marketing strategy

Attorneys on both sides have agreed that Lively’s testimony could influence the outcome of the civil trial scheduled for March 2026.

Lively’s Public Stance

So far, Blake Lively has remained mostly silent in the press, choosing to speak through her legal team. However, in a rare public statement last month, she said:

“My intention was never to create conflict. I believed in the story we were telling, and I still do.”

The comment, while brief, has fueled speculation about her current relationship with Baldoni and whether she will appear in his future productions.

Hollywood Reacts

The entertainment industry has taken notice. Talent agents, screenwriters, and fellow actors have weighed in quietly behind the scenes. Some see the lawsuit as a cautionary tale about the risks of mixing creative and financial responsibilities, especially on emotionally charged projects.

Producers close to Baldoni suggest that the fallout has already affected his ability to secure new projects with major streaming platforms. Meanwhile, Lively’s calendar appears unaffected, with two new film deals reportedly in development with Netflix and A24.

What Happens Next

Following Blake Lively’s deposition, the court will determine whether additional witnesses or evidence are required before moving forward to pre-trial motions in the fall. There is still a chance that both parties could reach a private settlement before the 2026 trial date.

For now, though, all eyes are on July 17 — a date that could mark a major turning point in how both stars move forward professionally.