From ‘Tone-Deaf’ Accusations to Subpoena Spats — He Calls Lively’s Tactics Repressive While Defending His Own Moves in Court

August 20, 2025 — In the escalating legal feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, the It Ends with Us director is now launching his own verbal assault. Baldoni has lashed back at Lively’s legal strategy—calling it “tone-deaf”—and stood firm against accusations of harassing actress Isabela Ferrer through subpoena attempts.

“Tone-Deaf” Accusation Aimed at Lively

In a pointed response to mounting legal tension, Baldoni accused Blake Lively of attempting to “constitutionally repress” his lawyer, Bryan Freedman. He alleges her legal moves exceed typical courtroom battles and instead infringe upon civil liberties.

Subpoena Dispute with Isabela Ferrer

Amid the dispute, Ferrer, who portrayed a younger version of Lively’s character in It Ends with Us, claimed Baldoni’s subpoena attempt constituted harassment. In response, Baldoni’s legal team defended their request, stating they needed documents Ferrer had failed to produce after multiple outreach attempts. They insisted the subpoena was a standard discovery measure—not a pressure tactic—and even offered to exclude any of Ferrer’s materials if it simplified matters.
Baldoni’s attorneys further requested that Ferrer be served via alternative methods, citing her counsel’s lack of responsiveness.

The High-Stakes Legal Battleground

This clash comes amid broader legal warfare that began when Lively filed sexual harassment claims against Baldoni last December—claims he denies. In turn, Baldoni filed a defamation suit seeking $400 million. While his countersuit was dismissed in June, the overarching case is headed for trial in March 2026.