Johnny Depp’s lawyer, Benjamin Chew, known for his involvement in Depp’s defamation trial against Amber Heard, recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing legal saga surrounding Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. In a recent appearance on “Law&Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber,” Chew commented on Baldoni’s approach to the case, labeling it as “very aggressive” as the actor launched a website to defend himself against Lively’s sexual harassment claims.
Chew acknowledged that Baldoni’s decision to create a website with an amended complaint and a timeline of events was an unconventional move, describing it as “very aggressive” and “novel.” While typically such actions are not taken before a hearing, Chew emphasized that the material was carefully vetted before its public release. The attorney also noted that the decision to post legal pleadings in the public domain was within bounds, though it was undoubtedly a bold strategy.
As the legal battle between Baldoni and Lively unfolds, Chew refrained from taking sides, opting to remain neutral on which party has the upper hand in the multi-million dollar lawsuit. However, he underscored the importance of concrete evidence, stating that having receipts, including video and text message evidence, could be particularly persuasive to the court and the public eye.
Chew emphasized the significance of video and text message evidence in legal proceedings, highlighting their impact in the case at hand. While refraining from declaring a clear advantage for either party, Chew noted that the tangible evidence presented could sway opinions and strengthen the credibility of the involved parties.
The legal dispute between Baldoni and Lively stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment during the filming of “It Ends With Us,” with each party presenting conflicting accounts of the events. Baldoni, in an attempt to refute Lively’s claims, released raw footage from the set, showcasing scenes of the two actors portraying characters in love. Despite his efforts, Lively’s legal team deemed the footage as incriminating, further escalating the legal tensions between the two stars.
The upcoming trial, set for March 2026, will serve as the platform for both parties to present their cases and provide evidence to substantiate their claims. For Baldoni, the stakes are high as he faces accusations of sexual harassment and defamation, countered by his legal team’s assertions of extortion and a smear campaign orchestrated by Lively and her associates.
The intertwining of Depp’s name in the narrative adds an additional layer of complexity to the legal drama, as Baldoni’s connection to Depp’s crisis PR firm, The Agency Group, draws parallels to the high-profile defamation trial involving the “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor. Lively’s allegations of a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated by Baldoni, Nathan, and others further heighten the intrigue surrounding the case, setting the stage for a compelling legal showdown in the coming months.
