“Justin Baldoni Taps Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Top Lawyer Amid Explosive Legal Clash With Blake Lively”
Actor-director Justin Baldoni has just made a high-stakes legal move: he’s added a high-profile attorney, Alexandra Shapiro—who famously defended Sean “Diddy” Combs—to his legal team as his dispute with Blake Lively intensifies. The change signals that this legal battle may be far from over and could be heading toward a more combative showdown.
🎯 Who Is Joining the Team
Alexandra Shapiro, a veteran criminal defense attorney known for her role in some of the most high-profile cases in recent years, has filed a notice declaring her appearance to represent Baldoni in his case with Lively. Her résumé includes clerking for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and handling heavyweight clients like Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried.
She will join the existing legal leadership including Baldoni’s current attorney Bryan Freedman.
⚖️ What the Dispute Is About
Blake Lively sued Baldoni and colleagues at Wayfarer Studios in December 2024. Her complaint alleges a hostile work environment on the set of It Ends With Us, including sexual harassment, retaliation, and failure to address inappropriate behavior.
Baldoni, in turn, filed a countersuit seeking $400 million, accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her PR team of defamation, extortion, and trying to hijack the narrative by launching smear campaigns. That countersuit was dismissed in June 2025 by a New York court.
🔍 Key Recent Moves and Roadblocks
- Baldoni recently asked to depose Taylor Swift, citing reasons tied to how her music was used in the film and promotions. A judge denied an extension of the discovery deadline, which effectively nixes the chance to question Swift before the deadline.
- Meanwhile, Lively’s team has filed motions for sanctions against Freedman, claiming he broke court rules or a protective order by making public, inflammatory comments and leaking deposition info.
🚨 Why Shapiro’s Addition Matters
Adding Alexandra Shapiro indicates Baldoni is preparing for the long haul. She’s known for handling tough cross-examinations, high public pressure, and legal strategies under intense media scrutiny. Her track record suggests Baldoni is boosting his defense, especially as the trial is scheduled for March 2026.
🗓 What’s Next
Court documents show the next scheduled hearing is October 21, 2025. That hearing will likely address procedural matters, including discovery, potential sanctions, and how openly some evidence or testimony can be used.
Even though some claims have already been dismissed, the sexual harassment lawsuit from Lively against Baldoni is still moving through the courts and is confirmed for trial in March 2026.
