Ryan Reynolds named as witness in Blake Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Reynolds Named to Testify About Production and Retaliation
• Judge Narrowed Case Days Before This Witness Reveal
• Expert Witnesses and Extensive Evidence Expected at May Trial
• The December 2024 Allegations That Sparked This Courtroom Battle
• What Could Ryan Reynolds’ Testimony Reveal About the Film’s Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics?
  • Sources

Ryan Reynolds is stepping into the spotlight as a key witness in Blake Lively’s legal battle against Justin Baldoni. In a filing submitted just hours ago on April 11, 2026, Lively officially named her husband to testify about the contested film production and alleged retaliation campaign. The trial kicks off in May with massive damages at stake.

Reynolds Named to Testify About Production and Retaliation

Ryan Reynolds, 49, will testify about the It Ends with Us film production, promotion, and alleged retaliation that sits at the heart of Lively’s case. According to the court filing, his testimony is expected to address how the disputed events impacted the couple. Blake Lively, 38, will also take the stand, as will Justin Baldoni, 42, who has vowed to defend himself against claims of orchestrating a smear campaign.

The witness list expands beyond Reynolds to include Lively’s costars Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer, as well as her sister Robyn Lively. Multiple publicists, crisis PR executives, and digital strategists connected to the film’s promotion are also named. Colleen Hoover, author of the bestselling novel the film adapts, will provide testimony via deposition.

Judge Narrowed Case Days Before This Witness Reveal

This filing comes just 9 days after a dramatic court ruling reshaped the entire lawsuit. On April 2, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims, including sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. The dismissals left only breach of contract and two retaliation-related claims for jury consideration. Lively’s attorney Michael Gottlieb argued the eliminated claims were dismissed on legal technicalities rather than merit.

Despite the setback, Lively’s team maintains she remains the beating heart of the case. Baldoni’s legal team now argues the narrowed scope should limit which witnesses testify, while Lively’s counsel insists a broad witness list is essential to prove retaliation and damages were orchestrated.

Expert Witnesses and Extensive Evidence Expected at May Trial

Lively’s legal team has assembled a comprehensive witness strategy. Beyond fact witnesses, multiple expert witnesses will address reputational harm, workplace practices, and social media activity patterns. Baldoni’s former publicist Stephanie Jones, his former podcast co-host Liz Plank, and crisis PR executive Melissa Nathan are positioned to provide testimony about any alleged smear campaign. Several witnesses will testify via deposition rather than in person, streamlining the trial’s duration.

Trial Element	Details
Trial Start Date	May 18, 2026, in New York
Expected Duration	Approximately 15 trial days
Key Witnesses Testifying	Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, costars, publicists
Remaining Claims	Breach of contract, 2 retaliation-related allegations
Damages Range	$142 million to $300 million

“Reynolds is expected to testify about the film’s production and promotion, as well as the alleged retaliation and damages at the center of the case.”

— From official court filing, April 11, 2026

The December 2024 Allegations That Sparked This Courtroom Battle

The legal saga began when Blake Lively alleged in December 2024 that director and co-star Justin Baldoni subjected her to sexual harassment on the set of It Ends with Us. She further claimed he orchestrated a retaliatory campaign to destroy her reputation. Baldoni has categorically denied all allegations. The case exploded into public view because both the accuser and the accused are major film stars, drawing intense media scrutiny and social media debate about workplace conduct in Hollywood.

Justin Baldoni previously sued Lively and Reynolds in January 2025 for defamation and extortion, but a judge dismissed that suit in June 2025. Now the focus shifts to Lively’s remaining claims as May trial approaches with the spotlight firmly on whether Reynolds‘ testimony will prove pivotal in establishing the alleged retaliation campaign.

What Could Ryan Reynolds’ Testimony Reveal About the Film’s Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics?

As Blake Lively’s husband and a major Hollywood figure in his own right, Ryan Reynolds‘ testimony carries significant weight. He was directly involved in the production and likely witnessed interactions between Lively and Baldoni firsthand. Prosecutors will likely use his account to establish a timeline of events, demonstrate how the alleged campaign affected his wife’s wellbeing, and potentially corroborate specific incidents Lively claims occurred. His celebrity status may also influence jury perception of credibility and stakes.

The trial’s outcome could reshape conversations about power dynamics on film sets and the consequences of alleged retaliation in Hollywood. With damages estimates ranging from $142 million to $300 million, the financial stakes are staggering. May 18 will mark the beginning of a trial that captures not just legal arguments, but broader cultural questions about accountability in the entertainment industry.

Sources

• People.com – Breaking news analysis on Blake Lively naming Ryan Reynolds as witness in It Ends with Us court proceedings
• Forbes – Coverage of Justin Baldoni’s decision to testify in May 2026 trial with updated court filings
• BBC News – International reporting on judge’s April 2026 ruling dismissing 10 of Lively’s 13 claims