**Blake Lively Seeks to Exclude Financial Evidence in Ongoing Legal Battle Over *It Ends With Us***
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In a high-profile legal dispute, actress Blake Lively is demanding the exclusion of financial evidence, including her and husband Ryan Reynolds’ net worth, as she pursues damages that could reach up to £300 million. The case arises from her allegations surrounding the film *It Ends With Us*, a production that has now found itself at the heart of a contentious courtroom drama.
Lively, 38, submitted a motion to the court on April 11, requesting that any references to her wealth be omitted from the trial proceedings. Her legal representatives argue that introducing financial information could unduly sway the jury and create an “improper” focus away from the substantive claims being made. They contend that such data serves no relevant purpose in adjudicating the matters at hand.
In support of her motion, Lively’s team highlighted statements allegedly made by financier Steve Sarowitz, who purportedly expressed a willingness to spend “up to $100 million to ruin the lives” of Lively and Reynolds. In response, the legal team representing Wayfarer Studios, co-founded by Justin Baldoni, is pushing back against the notion that these comments should be presented in court, asserting their irrelevance to the case’s core allegations.
The broader context of these legal manoeuvrings includes Lively’s pursuit of substantial compensatory and punitive damages. According to court documents, she estimates her losses due to what she describes as a “smear campaign” and reputational harm at between approximately £142 million and £300 million. These damages pertain to lost earnings and business opportunities stemming from what her team believes to be an unjust media portrayal.
Lively’s legal actions are not isolated, as Wayfarer’s defence team has signalled plans to challenge the scope of her claims, suggesting that she lacks standing to assert damages based on reputational harm related to her business ventures. This assertive approach illustrates the ongoing tension between both parties as they prepare for trial.
As the legal proceedings evolve, Wayfarer is also looking to keep various pieces of evidence out of the courtroom. They seek to exclude testimony from seven women regarding their alleged negative experiences with Baldoni, along with claims of past misconduct by him. This indicates a broader strategy to shape the narrative throughout the trial while contesting the introduction of potentially damaging information.
The case originates from allegations made by Lively in December 2024, in which she accused Baldoni, who directed *It Ends With Us*, of sexual harassment and initiating a retaliatory campaign aimed at damaging her reputation. Baldoni has publicly denied these accusations, and the friction between the two has resulted in a lengthy legal process.
Recent rulings have already complicated matters for Lively. On April 2, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed ten of her thirteen claims, including serious allegations of sexual harassment and defamation, allowing only a reduced number of breach of contract and retaliation-related claims to proceed. This reduction may influence the jury’s focus as the trial approaches.
With only days to go before a crucial pretrial hearing scheduled for April 28, both parties are actively preparing to discuss the potential for narrowing the witness list. The trial is set to commence on May 18 in New York City and is expected to last approximately fifteen days, marking a significant chapter in this contentious legal battle.
As both sides gear up for what promises to be a closely watched trial, the outcome remains uncertain. The case not only hinges on Lively’s personal claims but also raises broader questions about the dynamics of power and the potential repercussions of allegations made within the film industry.