Entertainment US

Legal Pressure Mounts Over Alleged Auto-Deleted Smear Campaign Messages

Legal pressures are intensifying surrounding an alleged smear campaign against actress Blake Lively. Lively’s legal team has claimed to uncover significant evidence suggesting an organized effort to discredit her. The allegations primarily target Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the movie “It Ends With Us,” along with his associates.

Details of Allegations

The legal team representing Blake Lively, comprised of lawyers from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and Willkie Farr & Gallagher, filed a motion this week alleging that Baldoni and his associates have obstructed discovery. They assert that Baldoni’s team has hidden crucial documents and improperly invoked attorney-client privilege. This has led to multiple discovery-related motions aimed at the defendants.

  • Baldoni and associates allegedly used the Signal app and other platforms to coordinate their actions against Lively.
  • The aim was reportedly to destroy or fail to preserve communications, as they anticipated legal challenges.

Denials and Counterclaims

Justin Baldoni and his team have steadfastly denied the allegations. They argue that the negative online sentiment against Lively was organic and not orchestrated. In an attempt to counter Lively’s claims, Baldoni had filed a $400 million countersuit against her, which was dismissed in the summer.

Recent depositions indicate that discussions regarding the smear campaign were moved to auto-deleting platforms to hide evidence of wrongdoing. Legal representatives for Jonesworks, a public relations firm involved, highlighted this tactic as a deliberate effort to conceal communications and actions.

Implications and Next Steps

As the case approaches a trial set for March 2026 in New York City, both parties are bracing for a contentious legal battle. Lively’s legal team is pushing for the court to take adverse inferences against Baldoni’s group due to their alleged destruction of evidence.

  • The motion asserts that the defendants anticipated litigation and used auto-deleting communication methods.
  • Lively’s lawyers are seeking compensation for the alleged smear campaign and the emotional turmoil it caused.

With mounting legal challenges and a complex narrative of events, the case is likely to dominate headlines in the coming months, bringing attention to the serious implications of digital communication in legal matters. As both sides prepare their strategies, the unfolding drama highlights the intersection of celebrity culture, legal accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures.

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