The Blake Lively deposition, currently scheduled for Thursday, July 17, stems from her sexual harassment and retaliation claims against Justin Baldoni.

The actress has filed a motion to change the location of her upcoming deposition alleging that the opposing legal team is trying to turn the proceedings into a “public spectacle.”

Blake Lively Deposition 

On Friday, July 11, Lively’s attorneys filed a motion requesting the court to enter a protective order that would shield the actress from what they call a media circus.

The motion asks that the deposition be held at a confidential location and that all attendees be identified in advance.

“Ms. Lively is looking forward to her deposition next week, and it should follow the same rules as every other witness in this case,” her representatives told PEOPLE.
“Justin Baldoni’s lawyer has tried to make this matter a public spectacle at every turn, even proposing to sell tickets to a televised deposition at Madison Square Garden.”

The controversial idea was floated by Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, who previously suggested the deposition take place at Madison Square Garden, streamed or ticketed with proceeds donated to domestic abuse charities.

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Allegations of Harassment and Intimidation

Lively’s legal team claims this is part of a broader campaign to “harass and intimidate” the actress.

“Defendants have used even the prospect of Ms. Lively’s deposition to generate press interest,” the motion states, calling the proposal an “abusive tactic.”

The filing argues that the high-profile nature of the case and the sensitive subject matter present a security risk and an opportunity for “intimidation or harassment,” particularly if media figures or social media influencers are invited.

Baldoni’s Legal Team Responds

Freedman, appearing on TMZ Live in June, said the deposition is a legal obligation and will uncover inconsistencies in Lively’s claims:

“I'm gonna ask her questions under penalty of perjury… We have all of the videotape, all the footage. We have the text messages, and we have emails.”

Freedman has also downplayed the protective motion, indicating the testimony will proceed regardless of the location. Both Lively and Baldoni are expected to testify during the trial, set for March 2026 in New York.

Dismissed Claims and Trial Ahead

Lively initially accused Baldoni, her It Ends with Us co-star and director, of sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni’s counterclaims, which included allegations of extortion and defamation against both Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, were dismissed by Judge Lewis J. Liman in June, and have not been refiled.

Despite the high tensions, Lively’s legal team remains focused:

“The ultimate moment for a plaintiff's story to be told is at trial,” said attorney Mike Gottlieb. “We expect that to be the case here [with Lively]. Of course, she’s going to testify.”

As the case moves toward trial, all eyes will be on how the court handles Lively’s deposition and whether efforts to avoid spectacle will succeed.

Relevant Links:

• TMZ: Freedman discusses Lively deposition
• Judge Lewis J. Liman's June dismissal of Baldoni’s Lawsuit