The legal drama between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively continues to escalate, and this week there was a new chapter that left fans with more questions than answers. According to TMZ, Baldoni personally attended Lively's deposition at a New York law office on July 31 as the two continue their legal battle over the film 'It Ends With Us.' Baldoni, 41, was present while Lively, 37, was questioned by her lawyers. Interestingly, Judge Lewis J. Liman had issued a protective order allowing Lively's team to decide the location of the deposition and to know in advance who would be present. Was his presence a legal ploy or an attempt to pressure Lively? So far, neither of them has made any public statements.

Lively accused Baldoni (her co-star and director) of sexual harassment and retaliation, which he has vehemently denied. Baldoni, in turn, filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging extortion and defamation, but a judge dismissed the suit in June. Her lawyers decided not to refile the case, which many are interpreting as a setback in their strategy.

“She wants to vindicate herself”: Baldoni’s position

Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, told TMZ in June that his goal was to get Lively to testify under oath: “I’m going to ask her questions under penalty of perjury, and she’s going to have to provide evidence… We’re going to see how consistent her testimony is with the actual facts.” He also assured that his client is only looking to “vindicate himself” and that he is confident the truth will come out.

The case is scheduled to go to trial in March 2026, and both Lively and Baldoni are expected to testify. Meanwhile, the networks are ablaze with theories: Is this a battle over reputation, money, or something more personal?

Following the dismissal of the $400 million counterclaim, Lively issued a forceful statement: “Like so many others, I've felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit... but I'm more determined than ever to defend every woman's right to speak out."

With nearly two years until trial, this legal battle is likely to continue making headlines. Will there be a reconciliation? Or will this become one of Hollywood's most talked-about cases? For now, all we can do is wait... and enjoy the drama.