8 Shocking Details Behind Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni's Protective Order And Bitter Legal War Over 'It Ends With Us'

The ongoing legal feud between co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has escalated into one of Hollywood's most contentious courtroom dramas, with the focal point being a recent, highly-debated protective order. As of December 18, 2025, the legal teams for both actors are locked in a bitter dispute stemming from allegations and counter-allegations that arose during the production of the blockbuster film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, It Ends With Us. This protective order, granted by a New York Federal Court judge, is a critical development in a case that involves claims of workplace harassment, retaliation, and even the controversial attempted subpoena of communications with a major celebrity friend.

The core of the legal conflict involves a lawsuit filed by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni and related entities, which was swiftly followed by Baldoni’s own multi-million dollar counter-lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The protective order was a procedural win for Lively, designed to shield sensitive information and limit the scope of her upcoming deposition, underscoring the high-stakes nature of this deeply personal and professional clash.

The Central Figures: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Profiles

The legal battle pits two prominent figures in the entertainment industry against each other, both known for their work on major television and film projects. Understanding their backgrounds provides context for the intense scrutiny surrounding the case.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Blake Lively: Actress, Director, and Entrepreneur

• Full Name: Blake Ellender Brown
• Born: August 25, 1987, in Los Angeles, California
• Spouse: Ryan Reynolds (m. 2012)
• Career Highlights:
  • Serena van der Woodsen in the teen drama series Gossip Girl (2007–2012).
  • Starring roles in films like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Town, Savages, and The Age of Adaline.
  • Directorial debut with Taylor Swift's music video "I Bet You Think About Me."
  • Founder of the non-alcoholic beverage company, Betty Buzz.
• Role in Lawsuit: Plaintiff, alleging workplace harassment and retaliation on the set of It Ends With Us.

Justin Baldoni: Actor, Director, and Filmmaker

• Full Name: Justin Louis Baldoni
• Born: January 24, 1984, in Los Angeles, California
• Spouse: Emily Baldoni (m. 2013)
• Career Highlights:
  • Rafael Solano in the critically acclaimed CW series Jane the Virgin (2014–2019).
  • Director and producer of films including Five Feet Apart and Clouds.
  • Co-founder of Wayfarer Entertainment.
  • Director and co-star (as Ryle Kincaid) in the film adaptation of It Ends With Us.
• Role in Lawsuit: Defendant in Lively's lawsuit; Plaintiff in a $400 million counter-lawsuit alleging defamation and extortion.

The Protective Order: What It Is and Why It Matters

The legal term "protective order" in this context refers to a court-issued directive that limits or restricts the disclosure of sensitive information during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. It is not to be confused with a restraining order, which deals with physical proximity or communication.

In mid-July 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman of the New York Federal Court granted Blake Lively a protective order ahead of her scheduled deposition.

Key Functions of Lively's Protective Order

• Confidentiality Designation: The order allows Lively’s legal team to designate certain documents and testimony as "Confidential" or "Highly Confidential." This is crucial for keeping potentially damaging or private details out of the public record, particularly those related to her personal life or other professional endeavors.
• Limiting Deposition Scope: The order helps control the parameters of the questioning during Lively's deposition. Lively's team sought this protection to prevent Baldoni’s attorneys from embarking on a "fishing expedition" into irrelevant or overly personal matters.
• Protecting Third-Party Communications: One of the most contentious aspects of the legal battle was Baldoni’s attempt to subpoena Lively’s private communications with her close friend, global superstar Taylor Swift. Lively successfully fought this, and the protective order is believed to include provisions shielding these communications, arguing they were completely irrelevant to the workplace allegations on the movie set.

Baldoni’s legal team strongly opposed the motion, accusing Lively's camp of attempting to "abuse" the legal system to lock away "explosive details" that could damage her public image. Despite the opposition, the judge ruled in favor of granting the order, indicating a recognition of the sensitivity of the information involved.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The Escalating 'It Ends With Us' Lawsuits

The protective order is merely one skirmish in a much larger, complex legal war between the two stars. The entire saga is rooted in the production of the film It Ends With Us, based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover.

Lively's Initial Allegations

Blake Lively's original lawsuit, filed in late 2024, leveled serious allegations against Justin Baldoni. The complaint reportedly detailed claims of workplace harassment, suggesting that Baldoni created a hostile and uncomfortable environment on the set. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged that when Lively raised concerns, she faced retaliation, which forms a key part of her legal argument.

The amended complaint reportedly included claims that Lively was not the only woman Baldoni allegedly made uncomfortable during the filming of the movie, broadening the scope of the harassment claims.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Baldoni's $400 Million Counter-Suit

In a dramatic counter-move, Justin Baldoni filed a massive $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni's complaint alleged that the couple attempted to "hijack" the film's narrative and that Lively's lawsuit was part of a coordinated effort of defamation and extortion designed to seize control or sabotage the project.

However, in a significant development for Lively, a New York judge later dismissed a large portion of Baldoni's counter-suit, specifically the claims for defamation and extortion. The dismissal, while not ending the entire legal conflict, was a major blow to Baldoni's case and a clear victory for Lively's legal position.

The Road Ahead: Deposition, Discovery, and Trial

The legal proceedings are currently mired in the discovery phase, where both sides exchange evidence and conduct depositions. The protective order ensures that Lively's testimony on July 17, 2025, will be conducted under strict rules of confidentiality.

The entire legal battle is expected to drag on for some time, with the full trial currently scheduled for March 2026 in New York Federal Court. The outcome will not only determine financial damages but will also have significant repercussions for the reputations and future careers of both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, as well as the legacy of the *It Ends With Us* film.

The public and industry observers alike are closely monitoring the case, which has become a complex study of power dynamics, workplace conduct, and the intense legal maneuvering that can follow a high-profile Hollywood controversy. The dueling lawsuits, the protective order, and the dismissed counter-claims all point to a long and expensive battle that is far from over.