Blake Lively Fights Journalist Testimony in Trial

Blake Lively's legal representatives are seeking to prevent journalist Kjersti Flaa from testifying in an upcoming trial. The motion, filed on April 11, 2026, argues that Flaa's involvement is limited to her viral 2016 interview with Lively, which gained traction the day after Lively's film "It Ends With Us" premiered on August 9, 2024. Fans had criticized Lively as a "mean girl" following the interview's release.

Lively's attorneys contend that Flaa "can offer no insight into how or why the little bump video went viral," labeling any testimony on the subject as "pure speculation." They believe Flaa's interview is being used to dredge up past conduct to unfairly sway the jury in the case against "It Ends With Us" costar Justin Baldoni.

Wayfarer Studios, co-founded by Baldoni, countered that Flaa's own comments during the interview are "highly relevant" and demonstrate her "tone-deaf, mean girl" persona. They argue that limiting testimony from the interview is a "Hail Mary" and supports their claim that Baldoni's side was not involved in spreading the story that negatively impacted Lively's reputation.

This legal maneuver follows a decision by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman on April 2, 2026, to dismiss 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including sexual harassment and defamation. However, three claims, including breach of contract and retaliation, were allowed to proceed to trial. Baldoni has consistently denied any wrongdoing. A final pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026.