Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Legal Dispute Intensifies Amid Reporter Clarification, Women’s Groups Support

Blake Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane has been cleared of allegations that she claimed Justin Baldoni sexually assaulted Lively, following a sworn declaration from journalist James Vituscka admitting his earlier text alleging such was a mistake. The text had been a key element in Baldoni's $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively's team, which he denies as part of his countersuit accusing extortion and defamation. Meanwhile, Lively has received growing support from numerous women's and anti-violence organizations, with 19 groups filing amicus briefs backing her and criticizing Baldoni's legal tactics as attempts to silence survivors. Lively's spokesperson condemned Baldoni for undermining the advocacy groups and abandoning his previous support for women's rights, highlighting his shift from public advocacy to aggressive litigation. A recent court ruling allowed Lively to withdraw her emotional distress claims and protected her private therapy and medical records from Baldoni's access. The trial between Lively and Baldoni is scheduled for March 2026.