In
the ongoing legal dispute between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the actress has listed her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, to appear in the trial as a witness on her behalf. Lively is seeking millions in damages against filmmaker Baldoni after accusing him of a hostile work environment and smear campaigns during the making and promotion of the Hollywood film. Recently, a judge dismissed many of Lively's claims of harassment, defamation and conspiracy ahead of the May trial. Besides Reynolds, Baldoni and Lively are expected to testify in the keenly watched trial that could set a precedent in Hollywood.
Ryan Reynolds to testify in Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni trial
A new report in
People revealed that Lively had filed the names of the witnesses she wants a jury to hear from before proceedings begin in the
It Ends With Us trial. The
Another Simple Favor actress has called upon her husband, Ryan Reynolds, to speak about the romance film's production and promotion and the alleged retaliation and damages that took place by Baldoni.
Lively has also named her co-stars Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer and her older sister Robyn Lively on the witness list. The actress is also calling upon people associated with Baldoni, including his former publicist, Stephanie Jones; his former podcast co-host, Liz Plank; and his crisis PR executive, Melissa Nathan, to speak as witnesses.
It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover has also been named as a potential witness. Her testimony, however, might be presented by deposition.
Other people on the witness list are publicist Jennifer Abel, digital strategist Jed Wallace, and Steve Sarowitz, who co-founded Wayfarer Studios with Baldoni. The actress's legal team is preparing to focus on the film's promotion and a retaliatory campaign by Baldoni towards her. The report also states that many expert witnesses are expected to testify about reputational harm, workplace practices, and social media activities.
More about the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni trial
The legal battle between the co-stars has been going on since December 2024. Lively is seeking financial damages ranging from around $142 million to nearly $300 million. However, Baldoni has denied the claims against him. Lively's team faced a setback after 10 of the 13 claims were dismissed by US District Judge Lewis J Liman. The judge has ruled a breach of contract and two retaliation-related claims can be brought forward in court. The May 18 trial is expected to last for around 15 days.