Introduction to the Lawsuit
Blake Lively has achieved a significant victory in her multi-million dollar lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit, which has been ongoing for some time, has now taken a new turn with the introduction of Scooter Braun, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, as a key player. Braun, who has been involved in high-profile disputes in the past, including a notable feud with Taylor Swift, is now being summoned to provide documents and information related to the case.
The Case Against Baldoni
The lawsuit, which was filed by Lively, alleges that Baldoni and his team engaged in a smear campaign against her after the release of the film "It Ends With Us". The complaint, which was submitted to a California civil rights agency, claims that Baldoni and his employees discriminated against Lively during the filming of the movie and subsequently launched a campaign to harm her reputation online. The court has recently dismissed Baldoni’s counterclaim against Lively, which included allegations of defamation and extortion.
Scooter Braun’s Involvement
Scooter Braun, who is the owner of Hybe America and has a majority stake in Melissa Nathan’s crisis PR company, The Agency Group, has been summoned to provide documents and information related to the case. Braun’s involvement in the lawsuit is significant, as he has been accused of being involved in the alleged smear campaign against Lively. The summons, which was handed over to Braun’s lawyers, requires him to provide all relevant documents and information within 36 hours.
Background on the Case
The case against Baldoni has been ongoing for some time, with both sides engaging in a heated battle of words. Lively’s lawyers have described the court’s decision to dismiss Baldoni’s counterclaim as a "total victory", while Baldoni’s lawyers have argued that the decision is not a defeat and that they will continue to pursue their claims against Lively. The case has also drawn attention from the public, with many taking to social media to express their support for Lively and criticize Baldoni’s actions.
The New York Times’ Involvement
The New York Times has also been drawn into the case, with Baldoni’s lawyers alleging that the newspaper’s reporting on the lawsuit was defamatory. However, the court has dismissed this claim, ruling that the newspaper’s reporting was protected by law. The New York Times’ deputy general counsel, David McCraw, has praised the court’s decision, stating that it is a victory for press freedom and the right of journalists to report on matters of public importance.
What’s Next
The case against Baldoni is set to continue, with a hearing scheduled for March 9, 2026. Lively’s lawyers have stated that they are confident that they will emerge victorious, while Baldoni’s lawyers have vowed to continue fighting. The introduction of Scooter Braun into the case has added a new layer of complexity to the lawsuit, and it remains to be seen how his involvement will impact the outcome of the case. One thing is certain, however: the lawsuit has sparked a heated debate about the use of smear campaigns and the importance of protecting one’s reputation in the public eye.
