Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Seek to Keep Conversations with High-Profile Individuals Private
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are fighting to maintain the privacy of their conversations with "high-profile" individuals amid an ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni. The couple filed a request to keep their texts confidential, expressing concerns that Baldoni’s team could leak them to the press.
During a hearing in Manhattan federal court on Thursday, their attorney, Meryl Conant Governski, argued for a protective order to safeguard these communications. Governski emphasized that the texts, involving well-known figures related to Lively’s film It Ends with Us, hold significant “PR value” and could cause irreparable harm if exposed to the wrong hands.
“There is a significant risk of irreparable harm if marginal conversations with important individuals—who are not relevant to the case—are leaked,” Governski stated. She further highlighted that the PR value of such leaks outweighs the risk of violating court orders.
Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, criticized the couple’s request, calling it “unnecessary” and “offensive,” asserting that it unfairly prioritizes celebrities and powerful individuals over others. Freedman argued that existing protective orders already provide sufficient safeguards against leaks and that his clients have the right to defend themselves transparently.
Legal Eyes Designation Sought for Sensitive Information
Governski also urged Judge Lewis Liman to implement a “legal eyes only” designation for certain texts, particularly those discussing private matters such as children, mental health, or the location of residences. When asked if Baldoni’s legal team posed a security risk, Governski clarified that she was not suggesting they would intentionally leak information. However, she noted that Baldoni’s co-defendants include individuals whose careers revolve around providing information to media creators.
Judge Liman’s Warning on Public Access
While Liman has yet to issue a decision, he acknowledged the public interest in the case and the presumption of public access in federal court proceedings. He warned that any leaks of sensitive information could result in fines or even imprisonment for contempt of court.
Background of the Legal Battle
The case stems from allegations of sexual harassment by Baldoni, which Lively has denied. Baldoni filed a $250 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, accusing them of conspiring with journalist Leslie Sloane to ruin his reputation and obstruct his film projects. Lively countersued for $400 million, alleging a smear campaign against her.
Earlier, Liman rejected Lively’s request for access to Baldoni’s call and text records dating back to December 1, 2022, citing concerns over the release of sensitive information unrelated to the case. The judge questioned the relevance of such records, as the alleged smear campaign began in August 2024.
As the case continues, the judge’s decision on the protective order remains pending, with both sides preparing for further legal arguments.
Additional reporting by Rolling Stone, New York Post, and Daily Mail.
