Justin Baldoni’s may advocate for wrongfully accused after Blake Lively battle upended his life

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actor Justin Baldoni’s attorney has hinted at a possible advocacy effort over claims of being "wrongfully accused" by his 'It Ends With Us' co-star Blake Lively, according to remarks made in an interview with TMZ published on Tuesday, June 2.

According to recent court filings, a judge ordered representatives from both sides to return to a New York court on Monday, June 1, to address attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, and potential damages. This comes after the pair settled their previous lawsuit in May 2026, just weeks before a scheduled federal trial.

Justin Baldoni’s attorney discusses his state of mind and possible next steps

Speaking outside court, high-profile entertainment attorney Bryan Freedman was asked what he hoped to accomplish at the hearing. He responded, “There's a hearing set. Don't know. You never really know until you go in and talk to the judge.”

When asked whether Baldoni was tired of the lengthy legal battle and how he was coping, another attorney from his legal team replied, “He's in great spirits, I guess” and further added, “We all think it's going to be a success,” when asked about expectations ahead of Monday’s hearing

Freedman also addressed the public support he has received throughout the dispute. “It's so meaningful. Yeah, we appreciate that. It's so powerful, and he really, like, he's blown away at the love that he's gotten,” he said. 

According to Freedman, that support helped him endure the challenges brought on by the legal conflict, “It helped him to really allow him to survive." He was also asked whether Baldoni had begun receiving work opportunities again amid divided public opinion. 

The attorney acknowledged that the actor-director was still dealing with the aftermath of the controversy. “I think it's still been tough for him,” he said, adding that the experience had affected his "ego, pride, vulnerability and trust."

Freedman described his client as someone who “really opens himself up in a way that most people don't” and said that openness had been wounded by the allegations. 

He further stated that Baldoni and his team are working to rebuild trust and confidence, expressing hope that he will soon return to work or become a speaker for individuals who have been “wrongfully accused of something and really beaten up by a power dynamic.”

Blake Lively seeks legal fees as judge prepares to rule on remaining issues

According to newly filed court documents, Lively is seeking reimbursement of the legal fees and expenses she incurred defending against Baldoni’s now-dismissed $400 million defamation lawsuit. It was also stated that she is pursuing triple damages and punitive damages, although the precise amount remains unclear.

The dispute centers on a California law intended to protect individuals who report harassment or retaliation from retaliatory defamation lawsuits. Under that statute, She must demonstrate that she successfully defeated the defamation claims against her, that the lawsuit was connected to her harassment or retaliation allegations, and that her statements were made without malice.

If the court rules in her favor, Baldoni’s side could be ordered to cover her legal fees and potentially additional damages. Reports indicate that he has already agreed to accept whatever decision the judge ultimately reaches as there will be no jury.

The latest hearing follows months of lawsuits, countersuits, and public controversy that drew in singer Taylor Swift, leaked celebrity text messages, and comparisons to the highly publicized legal battle between actor Johnny Depp and actress Amber Heard. 

Following the settlement, both sides claimed victory. “This settlement is a resounding victory for Blake Lively,” her attorneys said after details of the agreement became public.