In a growth worthy of a courtroom drama script, Blake Vigorous and Justin Baldoni got here face-to-face right this moment for the primary time since their public fallout.
The tense reunion happened inside a legislation workplace in Manhattan for Vigorous’s deposition as a part of her case in opposition to Baldoni, following drama throughout the filming of It Ends With Us.
The pair, who starred within the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel of the identical identify final 12 months, have been embroiled in a bitter feud in latest months.
In December, the Gossip Lady actress, 37, launched authorized proceedings in opposition to the 41-year-old – who additionally served as director – over claims she suffered ‘extreme emotional misery and ache, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration and psychological anguish’.
He denied all claims and filed a countersuit in opposition to her, husband Ryan Reynolds and their publicist, Leslie Sloane – alleging extortion and defamation – in addition to separate paperwork in opposition to the New York Instances.
In accordance with Folks Journal, Choose Lewis J Liman granted a motional to dismiss the $400m countersuit, in addition to the defamation submitting in opposition to the publication.
Now, in line with studies from TMZ and ABC Information, Baldoni made the choice to attend Vigorous’s deposition in particular person right this moment at her authorized staff’s workplace in New York.
The non-public testimony, which can stay beneath seal, happened behind closed doorways with solely authorized representatives, a courtroom reporter, and a videographer current.
The deposition marks a dramatic milestone within the escalating authorized saga between the 2 stars.
Regardless of the dismissed fits, tensions stay excessive — and public.
Again in Might, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, made headlines with a provocative suggestion: that Vigorous’s deposition be held dwell at Madison Sq. Backyard, with proceeds going to organizations supporting victims of home abuse.
‘Since Ms. Vigorous is open to testifying, let’s make it depend,’ he stated on the time.
Although the MSG occasion by no means occurred, Freedman confirmed this week that Baldoni was decided to be bodily current for Vigorous’s deposition – a transparent sign that he intends to maintain the strain on forward of their scheduled trial in March 2026.
Cameras won’t be allowed within the courtroom, however each Vigorous and Baldoni have dedicated to taking the stand.
Vigorous’s lawyer, Mike Gottlieb, beforehand confirmed that Vigorous intends to testify when the case lastly goes to trial.
Whereas right this moment’s deposition was closed to the general public, the symbolic weight of Baldoni’s in-person attendance hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Representatives for Vigorous, Baldoni, and Reynolds have but to touch upon right this moment’s proceedings.
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