In the latest twist in Hollywood’s legal drama, Blake Lively finds herself at the center of another lawsuit, this time involving Jed Wallace and his crisis management firm, Street Relations Inc. This new legal challenge emerges amidst ongoing tensions with actor Justin Baldoni, painting a complex picture of disputes and accusations.
Lively’s Legal Team Strikes Back Amid New Allegations
The lawsuit brought by Wallace claims that Lively wrongfully implicated him and his company in a media smear campaign, a claim that stems from allegations Lively made against Baldoni. According to reports from TMZ, Wallace is accusing Lively of dragging him and Street Relations into the fray, spreading damaging statements to media outlets such as Elle magazine. However, Lively’s team vigorously denies these claims, asserting the lawsuit is a baseless attempt to tarnish her reputation.
In a strong rebuttal, Lively’s attorneys told TMZ, “Another day, another state, another nine-figure lawsuit seeking to sue Ms. Lively ‘into oblivion’ for speaking out against sexual harassment and retaliation.” They argue that the lawsuit is merely retaliatory, intended to punish Lively for her outspoken stance on serious issues within the industry.
Controversy Over Deposition Procedures
Adding to the legal maelstrom, there’s controversy surrounding Lively’s deposition. Reports from PEOPLE reveal that Lively’s legal team has objected to Justin Baldoni’s lead attorney, Bryan Freedman, conducting her deposition. The reasons remain unclear, with Lively’s team citing “unspecified statements made by Mr. Freedman” as the basis for their refusal.
Kevin Fritz, representing Baldoni’s legal interests, expressed confusion and frustration over the matter, stating, “I have never heard of a situation in which the deposed party would get to choose the attorney taking their deposition.”
Legal and Public Reactions
The legal battles have not only legal but also public ramifications, with fans and critics alike closely watching each development. Chip Babcock, a partner at Jackson Walker LLP representing Wallace, told TMZ that Lively made “false statements to the press… claiming Mr. Wallace and Street Relations had sexually harassed her, retaliated against her, aided and abetted others who did the same, breached a contract with her, and engaged in other improper conduct.”
However, Babcock also highlighted Wallace’s relative anonymity in the saga, noting that he “hasn’t even met or spoken to Lively once let alone aid a smear campaign against her.”
A Tangled Web in Hollywood
As the legal drama unfolds, the complexity of the relationships and accusations continues to captivate and confuse observers. With each party presenting conflicting accounts and seeking legal redress, the narrative remains mired in disputes and legal maneuverings.
For Blake Lively, this ongoing saga represents not just a personal battle but a spotlight on the broader issues of harassment and retaliation in the entertainment industry. As each side prepares for more legal wrangling, the public and media remain fixated on this unfolding story, eager for the next chapter in this high-stakes Hollywood drama.