UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, actress Blake Lively has revealed that over 100 celebrities could be called as witnesses in her high-stakes lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios. Newly unsealed court documents, made public on November 5, list high-profile names including Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Hugh Jackman, and Emily Blunt as potential witnesses in this urgent case.
Lively’s lawsuit, filed earlier this year, alleges a hostile and discriminatory work environment, sexual harassment, and a retaliatory campaign that she claims has significantly harmed her career and reputation. The listing of potential witnesses reads like a Hollywood elite roster, including the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Jenny Slate, and Colleen Hoover, the latter being the author of the book, “It Ends with Us.”
According to PEOPLE, the filing outlines individuals who may have knowledge of events and communications pertinent to Lively’s claims against Baldoni, aged 41. Sources indicate that several named, such as Hoover and Slate, were deposed just this past summer, but clarification was provided that this list is part of the standard discovery process and does not constitute a confirmation of witness status.
The stakes are monumental, with Lively seeking more than $160 million in damages, including $56 million for lost earnings, $71 million in lost business profits related to her brands, and $34 million for reputational harm. In addition, she is demanding compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages, along with attorneys’ fees.
The lawsuit claims that Baldoni and his associates engaged in a systematic campaign of retaliation, utilizing media leaks and social media manipulation to undermine Lively’s professional opportunities. This is a developing story that highlights significant issues of workplace harassment and celebrity accountability.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the upcoming court proceedings and any potential testimonies from the star-studded list of witnesses. The implications of this lawsuit could reshape the narrative around Hollywood’s treatment of women and the consequences of workplace misconduct. Keep following for the latest updates as this high-profile legal battle progresses.