Justin Baldoni appears ready to testify as his ongoing lawsuit against Blake Lively gets nearer to its trial stage. The case slated to start from May 18 in New York is getting more complicated following the confirmation by both parties that they are ready to take the stand. This, despite having been thrown out individually as a defendant before in one of the cases.
Justin Baldoni says testimony is necessary to ‘refute’ claims
In his April 9 filing, Baldoni’s attorneys confirmed their intent for him to testify live as he tries to counter allegations that he organized a smear campaign against Lively.
The actor will not be the only witness called upon. Producers Jamey Heath and crisis publicist Melissa Nathan will also make appearances in what looks to be another attempt to rebut claims against him in relation to orchestrating a digital campaign against Lively during the release of It Ends With Us.
Steve Sarowitz and Jennifer Abel, among other defendants, will testify through video depositions.
On her part, Lively has expressed her willingness to testify at the trial stage. Through her lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, she revealed that she was looking forward to taking the stand and making her case known to the jury.
The suit filed last year against Wayfarer Studios by Lively was thrown out for some of its allegations. Retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract remain the most notable of those left standing in the case that continues to gain steam.
Lively had accused Baldoni of helping to orchestrate an alleged smear campaign against her during the release of the movie It Ends With Us, in what is now dubbed a retaliation case against him.
