Blake Lively is set to testify in a sexual harassment trial involving her co-star and director, Justin Bardoni. This case began with Lively’s complaint filed in December and is scheduled to be heard in a New York court in March 2026.
Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed on Thursday that she would take the stand. He mentioned, “The ultimate moment when the plaintiff’s story is told is on trial,” expressing confidence that Lively’s testimony will be significant. Gottlieb also highlighted that several witnesses could provide insights related to the accusations, particularly events on set.
In discussing the discovery phase of the trial, he pointed out that both parties have the chance to ask questions, hoping to center the focus on what he believes is the core issue: the retaliation campaign against Lively for raising concerns about harassment. Bardoni’s team, meanwhile, maintained their defense, stating, “The truth is not distracting,” emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
The legal conflict escalated when Bardoni claimed Lively used her connection with Taylor Swift to pressure him regarding screenplay changes during filming. He accused her of manipulating the situation to further her own agenda, suggesting that this included requesting rewrites on key scenes.
Lively’s accusations involve serious claims of sexual harassment among other charges, which were highlighted in lawsuits filed with California’s Civil Rights Office and recently in federal court.
Interestingly, Bardoni has also initiated his own legal actions, including a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times, alleging they participated in a smear campaign against him and his co-stars. This situation seems to have escalated, with both sides claiming the other is responsible for various forms of misconduct.
As these cases develop, both Lively and Bardoni continue to assert their positions, with evidence and testimonies set to play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative.
