In this episode of The SERMApod, host Rich Lenkov welcomes Benesch Partner Caitlin Kovacs, to break down the multiple lawsuits surrounding It Ends With Us, starring Blake Lively and co-star/director Justin Baldoni. Caitlin unpacks the complex web of defamation, harassment, and retaliation claims filed in both California and New York. Discussing Baldoni’s defamation suit against The New York Times, she notes, “It is really challenging to bring a defamation suit against a news organization… We put stronger protections around disputes that have to do with informing the public about those issues.”
The conversation also touches on the intense PR battle playing out alongside the litigation, with Baldoni launching a website to share evidence and Lively’s team seeking a gag order. Caitlin observes, “Justin Baldoni and his legal team are definitely handling things differently than we usually see… The court may not be happy about it, but they’re clearly trying to draw public attention on a nearly daily basis.”
With millions in damages claimed and high-profile legal teams on both sides, Caitlin provides insight into potential outcomes and the broader impact on media defamation cases.
Listen to the full episode here.