Judge Issues Stern Warning in Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
In a surprise move, a judge has issued a stern warning to both parties involved in the ongoing legal battle between actresses Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The dispute stemmed from a alleged defamation claim against Lively, who is best known for her starring role in the hit TV show "Gossip Girl," by her former friend and "Five Feet Apart" co-star, Justin Baldoni, who claims that Lively made damaging comments about him in various Hollywood circles.
According to sources close to the case, Judge Rachel L. Rapp had "lashed out" at both parties during a brief recess in court, expressing her disappointment and frustration with the ongoing legal wrangling.
"I expect both parties to settle this dispute once and for all," a visibly irritated Judge Rapp said, adding, "This is not a game, this is a court of law, and we will not tolerate any further delays or frivolous claims."
The judge’s warning comes as the court has seen a recent surge in legal maneuvers by both sides, with Lively’s team filing motions to dismiss the case and Baldoni’s team arguing that the actress’s claims lack merit.
Baldoni, who has previously spoken publicly about the dispute, claims that Lively made "false and defamatory" statements about him in a recent interview, which he alleges has damaged his reputation and career.
In response, Lively’s representatives have maintained that the allegations are "baseless" and "without merit."
The ongoing dispute has sparked a flurry of media attention, with many enthusiasts of both actors taking to social media to weigh in on the controversy.
The case is set to resume later this month, with Judge Rapp’s warning likely to keep both parties in check.
The development comes as a setback for both Lively and Baldoni, who have both built a strong reputation for their respective work in the entertainment industry.
For Lively, fresh off her critically acclaimed turn in "The Rhythm Section," the lawsuit has put a dent in an otherwise stellar career trajectory.
As for Baldoni, the actor has used the platform to advocate for people living with sickle cell disease, a cause close to his heart. His Hollywood career has been marked by strong performances in films such as "The Kissing Booth" and "To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before."
As the legal battle continues to unfold, fans of both actors can only hope for a swift and amicable resolution to the dispute. Only time will tell if the court’s stern warning will have the desired effect, or if the conflict will continue to rage on.
