Blake Lively has escalated her sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni by subpoenaing Scooter Braun and his company, HYBE America, as reported by Deadline on June 11, 2025.
The move targets documents related to crisis PR specialist Melissa Nathan, a co-defendant in Lively’s case. This article delves into the lawsuit, the subpoena’s significance, and the ongoing Hollywood legal saga set for trial in March 2026.
In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni, her It Ends With Us co-star and director, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. Allegations include inappropriate behaviour, such as Baldoni inquiring about Lively’s weight for a lifting scene and resurfaced clips of Lively’s past controversial remarks fueling online backlash. Lively claims these were part of a deliberate strategy to “bury” her career.
Court documents cite text messages from Baldoni’s team, including one stating, “You know we can bury anyone,” as evidence of the alleged smear campaign.
Blake Lively Subpoenas Scooter Braun in Legal Fight With Justin Baldonihttps://t.co/Qs58jfXuvv
— billboard (@billboard) June 11, 2025Scooter Braun’s Subpoena
Lively’s legal team plans to serve subpoenas on June 12, 2025, seeking communications from Braun’s HYBE America about Melissa Nathan, hired by Baldoni in August 2024 to manage PR amid feud rumours. Nathan, a co-defendant, is accused of masterminding the smear campaign. Braun’s involvement, given his high-profile disputes with Lively’s friend Taylor Swift, adds intrigue to the case, spotlighting Hollywood’s power dynamics.
In January 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging extortion and defamation. He claimed Lively fabricated harassment claims to seize control of the film. On June 9, 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the suit, calling it a “sham,” though Baldoni can amend breach of contract claims. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, insists the dismissal is not a defeat and plans to refile.
The lawsuit has divided public opinion, with some praising Lively’s legal strategy while others criticising the ruling as unjust. Lively’s team describes the dismissal as a “total victory” and is seeking punitive damages. This case, linked to the $350 million global box office of It Ends With Us, highlights ongoing tensions surrounding workplace conduct and accountability related to the #MeToo movement in Hollywood.
With a trial set for March 9, 2026, Lively’s subpoena of Braun could uncover critical evidence about Nathan’s PR tactics. Baldoni’s team, undeterred, vows to present new allegations. The case, involving high-profile figures like Swift, whose subpoena was dropped, continues to captivate, raising questions about harassment, retaliation, and media manipulation in the entertainment industry.
