Introduction to the Case
Originally appeared on E! Online
Justin Baldoni is adding a big name to his legal team.
The "It Ends With Us" director has enlisted criminal defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro to represent him in his ongoing dispute with Blake Lively over the 2024 film, according to court records obtained by People Sept. 18.
Background on Alexandra Shapiro
Shapiro — who was part of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team in his sex trafficking trial earlier this year and served as one of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s first clerks on the Supreme Court — formally declared her role on Baldoni’s team in a notice of appearance filed last week, the outlet reported.
E! News has reached out to Shapiro as well as Baldoni’s rep for comment but has not heard back.
Current State of the Case
While the Jane the Virgin alum’s $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds — in which he accused the couple of defamation—was dismissed by a New York court in June, the legal matter seems to be far from over.
READ Taylor Swift Will Only Be Deposed in Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni Case If "Forced," Her Lawyer Says
Latest Developments
In court documents obtained by NBC News earlier this month, the actress’ lawyers argued that Baldoni should cover her legal fees as the “prevailing defendant” in the case. They also stated that she is “entitled to compensation for all harm caused to her” by Baldoni and his team, including his Wayfarer Studios company and his lawyer Bryan Freedman.
“The Wayfarer Parties — with and through their lead attorney, Mr. Freedman — brought and maintained claims that were not based on factual or legal merit," Lively’s attorneys wrote in the filing, “but instead a deliberate plan to discredit Ms. Lively and to harm her and her husband by suing them.”
The Gossip Girl alum’s team also asked that the motion be approved “prior to, and separate from” her upcoming trial against Baldoni, stemming from the sexual harassment lawsuit she filed against him in December. That matter is slated to go before a jury in March 2026, with him denying all allegations.
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
PHOTOSJustin Baldoni, Blake Lively
Another "It Ends With Us" star, Isabela Ferrer – who played the younger version of Blake Lively’s character – is accusing Justin Baldoni of "harassing" her to share communications that he believes are relevant to his and Lively’s ongoing legal dispute.
Conclusion
The case between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively continues to unfold with new developments and additions to the legal teams. As the situation progresses, it will be interesting to see how the involvement of high-profile lawyers like Alexandra Shapiro impacts the outcome.
FAQs
Q: Who is Alexandra Shapiro?
A: Alexandra Shapiro is a criminal defense attorney who has worked on high-profile cases, including Sean "Diddy" Combs’ sex trafficking trial, and served as one of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s first clerks on the Supreme Court.
Q: What is the current state of the case between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?
A: The case is ongoing, with Blake Lively’s team seeking legal fees and compensation for harm caused by Justin Baldoni and his team, and a trial scheduled for March 2026 regarding the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him.
Q: Who else is involved in the case?
A: Other individuals involved in the case include Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively’s husband, and Isabela Ferrer, another "It Ends With Us" star who has accused Justin Baldoni of harassment.
