Blake Lively to use Justin Baldoni’s Britney Spears remark in trial? What he said about ‘harassment’ in old interview
The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which began around their film It Ends With Us, has taken a more complicated turn, with Britney Spears now drawn into the narrative. The dispute has already attracted widespread attention, d...

The development comes amid an ongoing legal dispute linked to alleged on-set misconduct, with the trial scheduled to begin on May 18. While several claims have already been dismissed, the case continues to draw attention due to its high-profile nature and evolving courtroom tactics.
2017 Clip Resurfaces as Key Evidence
According to reports, Lively’s legal team is considering presenting a 2017 interview clip in which Baldoni recounted an awkward interaction with Britney Spears during her guest appearance on Jane the Virgin, as per a report by Page Six.In the interview, Baldoni described approaching Spears on set and hugging her, later reflecting on the moment by questioning whether his actions may have crossed a line. The comment, though delivered in a self-deprecating tone at the time, is now being revisited in a legal context.
The exchange unfolded as follows: “I had gone up to her and in my mind, we’re friends,” he said with a laugh. “We weren’t.” “And I went up and I gave her … I went, ‘Hey!,’ and I gave her a big hug and I think I scared her, because she was like, ‘Hi,’ and I just had this awkward moment of, like, ‘Did I just harass Britney Spears?’” he joked in the interview, appearing slightly embarrassed, as mentioned in a report by The Times of India.
Case Background: Claims and Court Rulings
The legal battle stems from allegations made by Lively against Baldoni concerning behavior on the set of the 2024 film adaptation of It Ends With Us.Earlier this month, a judge dismissed a majority of Lively’s claims, including those related to sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. However, three claims—breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation, have been allowed to proceed to trial.
Legal analysts suggest that the introduction of past statements or conduct could be aimed at establishing a broader pattern of behavior, though the admissibility and impact of such evidence will ultimately be determined by the court.
Celebrity Names Surface in Jury Selection Process
The case has also drawn attention for its extensive jury selection questionnaire, which reportedly includes references to several high-profile personalities.Among those mentioned is Taylor Swift, a longtime associate of Lively, along with her husband Ryan Reynolds and other individuals connected to the film and its production.
Potential jurors are being asked about their familiarity with these figures, as part of an effort to ensure impartiality in what is expected to be a closely watched trial.
Trial Ahead: What to Watch
With proceedings set to begin in May, the case between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is shaping up to be one of the most closely followed legal disputes in the entertainment industry this year.FAQs
Why is Blake Lively using a Justin Baldoni video in court?
She reportedly plans to use a 2017 clip to draw comparisons between Baldoni’s past remarks and her allegations about his behavior.What did Justin Baldoni say about Britney Spears?
He recalled an awkward on-set interaction and questioned whether his actions may have been inappropriate, though it was said in a reflective manner.The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
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