Blake Lively Secures Home-Turf Edge in Depposition Showdown with Justin Baldoni
Okay, I’ll break it down, though you probably already know this. Blake Lively just won a key skirmish in her legal clash with former friend Justin Baldoni by convincing a judge to let her pick the location for her deposition. According to court records obtained by TMZ, the actress will sit for questions at her lawyer’s office rather than at a spot proffered by Baldoni’s team, led by attorney Bryan Freedman.
The ruling, handed down on Monday, also requires Baldoni’s side to reveal in advance who will attend and ensures they have the technical support they claimed they needed. Yes, you read that right: Lively asked the judge to weigh in—and she got her wish. The motion was filed after Freedman floated the idea of live-streaming her testimony from Madison Square Garden. Not exactly a discreet setting when you’re on Hollywood’s most-watched guest list.
In her request, Blake voiced concern about being hounded by the paparazzi en route to a venue controlled by her opponent. Her motion argued that Baldoni’s choice of site could invite unwanted flashbulbs and distractions. It was a valid worry—paparazzi stakeouts are basically a welcome sign for chaos. Baldoni’s camp pushed back, insisting that her star power alone shouldn’t dictate such terms. They claimed moving the deposition to Lively’s lawyer’s office would hamper their ability to sift through hundreds of pages of exhibits and notes without having a private conference room available.
The judge was wise to that argument. His decision grants Lively control of the venue while obliging Baldwin’s legal team to arrange for “a dedicated computer” and printing capabilities so they won’t be caught off-guard when documents need to be referenced or duplicated.
TMZ first reported that Blake had asked the judge to step in after Freedman’s flashy court proposal raised more questions than answers. Now that her request has been granted, the next step is to see how quickly both sides can agree on a date and logistics. No word yet on whether Baldoni’s lawyers will demand extra surveillance measures or additional breaks for strategizing.
This victory is more than just a venue preference. It signals that Lively’s legal strategy is both proactive and detail-oriented, traits she’s better known for on-screen than in courtrooms. Justin Baldoni’s team isn’t out of options, of course—they may still appeal this ruling, setting up another round in this unfolding legal drama.
Keep an eye on our updates—you know you want to see how this legal dance ends. There you have it, consider yourself enlightened.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
