Kamal Ghorui
Justin Baldoni’s legal team has hit back at Blake Lively for her claims of ‘financial and reputational damage’, linked to the alleged smear campaign.On failure of Blake Lively’s brandIn a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, Baldoni’s attorneys alleged that the actress had a record of unsuccessful projects, including her drinks brand. They linked the brand’s failure to her unpopularity, rather than any ‘smear campaign’.Attorney Amir Kaltgrad told the court that the company “did not succeed for nothing to do with the defendants,” noting that Lively’s own accountant, Jeffrey Kinrich. According to the documents, Lively’s side appear to support part of that claim, “management had doubts about the profitability and sustainability of Betty Buzz for reasons unrelated to the online manipulation.”The arguments come as both parties prepare for a civil trial scheduled for May 18.Justin Baldoni claims Blake Lively is ‘unlikeable’Baldoni’s legal team also cited Blake Lively’s past public conduct, pointing to her criticism of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, prior to the release of the 2024 film.Lively famously took a dig at Kate’s digitally altered family photograph that drew global attention in March 2024. Reacting to the post, Lively shared an edited image of herself. Days later, the Princess publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis, prompting Lively to issue an apology.Justin Baldoni challenges Blake Lively’s multi-million dollar claimsBaldoni’s lawyers also challenged Lively’s claim of financial losses, which reportedly include USD 143 million in lost profits, USD 132 million in lost earnings, and several million more in endorsements.Lawyer on Blake Lively’s earningsCalling the figures a “pie in the sky”, Kaltgrad pointed out that Lively earned approximately USD 21 million from four film projects in the eight years leading up to ‘It Ends With Us’. In contrast, her expert witness, entertainment lawyer Richard Marks, estimated she could have earned USD 142 million in the five years following the film’s release. Kaltgrad criticised the projection, stating it relied on an “unrealistic assumption.“Blake Lively to take the standLively’s legal team, however, has maintained that she suffered substantial financial and reputational harm. Speaking outside court, Lively’s attorney Sigrid McCawley, said, “Blake’s hope is to be able to have her voice heard in that courtroom and that’s what we’re focused on right now.”McCawley added, “Blake’s been ready for this trial, it’s a moment she’s been waiting for a long time, to have her voice heard in this court. She’s feeling really good…she’s finally at a point where she will be able to tell her side.”Earlier this month, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 claims filed by Lively against Baldoni. The case will now proceed with three remaining claims: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation.
