Blake Lively Alleges Sexual Harassment by Justin Baldoni on Film Set; Court Hearing Held

Court Proceedings and Allegations

• ⚖️ A pre-trial hearing took place in Manhattan concerning allegations of sexual harassment by actor Justin Baldoni against Blake Lively on the set of their film "It Ends With Us."
• 📌 Lively alleges inappropriate comments and a non-consensual kiss during a dance scene, claiming the script only indicated dancing.
• 🎬 Defense attorneys countered that Lively's claims, including allegations of a campaign to undermine her reputation, are "small potatoes and trivial grievances."

Legal Strategies and Evidence

• 🧑‍⚖️ Attorneys presented arguments on whether the case should be decided by a judge or a jury, with Lively favoring a jury trial.
• 📱 Unsealed exhibits included text messages between Lively and Taylor Swift, though Swift and Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, are not expected to testify.
• 🤝 Both sides are scheduled for a settlement conference, but Lively's stated preference is to proceed to trial.

Defense Arguments and Context

• 🎭 Defense attorneys argued that actors were aware of the film's adult subject matter and that an intimacy coordinator was available.
• 🧐 The judge indicated a need to consider the "totality of actions" in the case.
• 🗓️ The trial is anticipated to commence on May 18th.