Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer Cites ‘Heated Rivalry’ in Lawsuit Defense
Lawyers representing Justin Baldoni were present in court on Thursday, seeking to have Blake Lively’s lawsuit dismissed. Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation stemming from their work on the upcoming film, “It Ends With Us,” set for release in 2024.
Defense Arguments on ‘Heated Rivalry’
Baldoni’s legal team argued that the allegations are rooted in improvisation during filming and do not constitute gender-based harassment. During the court proceedings, attorney Jonathan Bach referenced the series “Heated Rivalry,” a drama about gay romance that recently concluded its first season on HBO Max.
Courtroom Reactions
As Bach mentioned “Heated Rivalry,” laughter resonated in the courtroom when U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman admitted he was unfamiliar with the show. Bach described the show’s explicit scenes while countering claims made by Lively’s lawyer, Esra Hudson, who contended that Baldoni’s off-script actions constituted gender-based discrimination.
Consent and Context
Bach maintained that any physical interactions between Baldoni and Lively derived from their characters’ relationship. He noted that Lively signed onto the project, fully aware it would feature “hot and sexy scenes.” However, Judge Liman questioned whether the film’s content justified Baldoni’s actions, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries regarding consent.
Perspectives on Key Incidents
Hudson argued that crucial facts are disputed and called for a jury’s involvement. She highlighted a contentious moment involving Lively and executive producer Jamey Heath. Heath claimed he was invited into a room, while Lively and her team remembered a different narrative, asserting the need for Lively’s consent.
Legal Implications of Improvisation
The discussion shifted to the issue of consent during intimate scenes and how improvisation factors into that. Hudson clarified that while improvisation can occur, it necessitates prior discussions to establish expected interactions. This is where tools like nudity riders and intimacy coordinators come into play.
Judicial Considerations
Judge Liman probed whether the nuances of these touch-related decisions could be evaluated by a jury. Hudson maintained that Lively’s experience—feeling uncomfortable and surprised—should be subjectively assessed. The trial is projected for May, with Liman considering whether to limit the jury’s focus on the allegations.
- Create clear expectations: Consent discussions are vital for intimate scenes.
- Improvisation and boundaries: Needs careful navigation to ensure comfort for all actors.
- Upcoming trial: Scheduled for May, with potential ruling on the scope of allegations.
