Johnny Depp Lawyer Criticises Justin Baldoni’s Legal Strategy as ‘Very Aggressive’
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In a recent development concerning a legal battle, Johnny Depp’s lawyer, Benjamin Chew, has expressed concerns regarding the aggressive legal tactics employed by Justin Baldoni’s team in their ongoing dispute with actress Blake Lively. Chew described Baldoni’s decision to publish a website containing details of his lawsuit against Lively as “very aggressive,” noting that such actions are unusual before a court hearing. The lawyer made these comments during an appearance on the Law & Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber podcast.
The legal feud between Lively and Baldoni has been escalating, with their lawyers meeting in court for the first time on February 3. The case is scheduled for trial in March 2026. Chew, who previously represented Depp in a civil trial against Amber Heard, commended Baldoni’s team for their bold approach but also highlighted the risks associated with such aggressive legal strategies. He emphasised the importance of careful consideration before taking actions that could potentially impact the case.
During their court appearance, Judge Lewis Liman warned both parties to rein in their public relations warfare outside the courtroom, threatening to expedite the trial if the situation escalated further. Chew acknowledged the novelty of Baldoni’s approach in publishing a website with legal documents, noting that while it is permissible to share pleadings made public, venturing into advocacy pieces could be considered crossing a line.
The legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni originated in December 2024 when Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, accusing him of misconduct and a smear campaign. In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane. Both sides have expressed confidence in their positions, with Lively’s attorneys asserting that she will prevail, while Baldoni’s legal team vows to prove their innocence expeditiously.
When asked to assess the strengths of each party’s case, Chew refrained from taking sides but highlighted the significance of utilising audio and video evidence to support their arguments. He suggested that leveraging the opposing party’s words or actions could be crucial in framing the narrative to the court. Chew stressed that presenting compelling evidence, such as text messages or recordings, could significantly influence the outcome of the trial.
As preparations for the trial intensify, the legal teams for Lively and Baldoni are gearing up to present their cases in court. The escalating tensions between the two parties underscore the complexity of the legal battle and the high stakes involved. With expert legal analysis and strategic manoeuvring on both sides, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain, leaving observers eager to see how the proceedings unfold in the coming months.
In conclusion, the legal showdown between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to captivate attention as the actors navigate a complex web of allegations and counterclaims. With seasoned legal minds at work and high-profile figures embroiled in the dispute, the courtroom drama promises to be a riveting affair with far-reaching implications for all parties involved. As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the unfolding legal proceedings, anticipating the resolution of this high-profile case.