Blake Lively’s attorneys are requesting sanctions against Justin Baldoni’s defense team, alleging “deposition misconduct” during the ongoing It Ends With Us lawsuit. The motion, filed with U.S. District Court Judge Lewis J. Liman on December 19, 2025, claims Baldoni’s lawyers engaged in improper and irrelevant questioning, including inquiries into Lively’s sexual history, and displayed a “basic lack of decorum” during depositions.

Allegations of Deposition Misconduct

According to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE, Lively’s legal team, led by attorney Michael J. Gottlieb, argues that:

• Baldoni’s attorneys asked questions about Lively’s sexual and romantic history, which Lively’s lawyers contend are irrelevant to the case.
• Defense counsel frequently made speaking objections, often during depositions they were not defending, consuming significant time and demeaning the witness.
• Lively’s attorneys previously issued a letter on September 29, 2025, requesting that opposing counsel cease inappropriate behavior.

Gottlieb’s filing emphasizes that such questions violate rape shield laws, which protect survivors of sexual abuse or assault from being interrogated about past sexual behavior in court.

Request for Supplemental Deposition

In addition to sanctions, Lively’s team asks the court to compel a Baldoni expert witness to sit for another deposition, citing that Baldoni’s lawyers impeded, delayed, and frustrated the original examination. The motion also seeks coverage of fees incurred for the supplemental deposition.

This follows an earlier motion in May 2025, when Lively’s attorneys moved to sanction Baldoni and his legal team, accusing them of filing “frivolous, baseless claims” and engaging in tactics intended to harass Lively, delay proceedings, and increase litigation costs.

Controversial Remarks by Baldoni’s Counsel

Lively’s team also condemned a prior suggestion by Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman, who joked that Lively’s deposition could be held at Madison Square Garden, ticketed for the public and livestreamed. Lively’s attorneys described the comment as a “ghoulish taunt” and stressed that federal courts are for justice, not public spectacle or retribution.

Background of the Lively–Baldoni Legal Battle

The ongoing litigation began in December 2024, when Lively, 38, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, 41, her It Ends With Us costar and director, as well as Wayfarer Studios, his publicist, and crisis PR team. Lively alleges she experienced sexual harassment and became the target of a retaliatory smear campaign after speaking out. Baldoni has denied all allegations.

A court-mandated settlement conference is scheduled for February 11, 2026, ahead of a trial set to begin May 18, 2026, in the Southern District of New York.

Legal experts note that settlement conferences often encourage parties to reach an agreement before trial, though this case is considered highly personal and complex, which could affect the likelihood of a resolution.