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Legal expert Gregory Doll has shed light on the potential next steps for Blake Lively in her ongoing legal dispute with It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment. Speaking to People magazine, Doll explained that Lively, 37, and Baldoni might explore a resolution through mediation despite the contentious nature of the case.
“Blake’s team might try to find a ‘mediation solution’ between her and Justin,” Doll stated. He emphasized that such a process could avoid the escalation of the legal battle. If mediation fails, Doll noted that Lively could escalate her claims to court.
“They’ll dismiss and give [Lively] what’s called the right to sue letter, which means that she can go to court now and submit her claim there,” he added. The expert highlighted how intensely personal disputes, such as this one, are often the hardest to resolve through negotiation.
The legal case has garnered significant attention following statements from both parties. Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, dismissed Lively’s accusations as “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” Freedman alleged that the lawsuit was an attempt to rehabilitate Lively’s reputation following negative publicity surrounding the release of their romance-drama film It Ends with Us.
The case began when Lively filed sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni months after the film’s release. According to her filing, the alleged misconduct occurred during their time working together on the project. While the lawsuit has sparked widespread media attention, Lively has not publicly commented on the possibility of mediation or other settlements.
Doll suggested that finding a resolution outside of court would benefit both parties, allowing them to avoid prolonged legal and public scrutiny. However, he acknowledged that the deeply personal nature of such allegations often complicates settlement efforts.
As the case unfolds, the public and industry insiders remain divided on the allegations and the responses from both parties. Whether through mediation or a court trial, the dispute underscores the challenges of navigating accusations in high-profile professional relationships.
