Justin Baldoni spent the night before his deposition in the ongoing legal dispute with Blake Lively surrounded by family, friends and prayer.
In a transcript of Baldoni’s Oct. 6 statement, the It ends with us actor-director, 41, revealed he was hosting a “prayer meeting” ahead of the lengthy legal proceedings.
When asked if he had discussed the subject of the statement with anyone beforehand, Baldoni said he had spoken to his family, his wife and publicist Jennifer Abel. He noted that friends who attended the meeting knew lawyers would question him.
Baldoni gave more than nine hours of testimony in Los Angeles, including an hour-long lunch break. During questioning, he was specifically asked about conversations with Abel before the statement. Baldoni said their exchange was not substantive, describing it as encouragement rather than preparation.
According to the transcript, he said Abel told him he would “do a great job” and reminded him to stay honest. He further explained that no details about the case have been discussed.
Religion also came up several times during the impeachment. Baldoni, who has been a member of the Baha’i faith since birth, said he was aware that people involved in the case are calling his faith a cult. When asked about alleged pranks made by crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and former TAG PR employee Katie Case, Baldoni stated that he was not previously aware of it.
“I think any time someone makes a religious joke, it’s not OK,” he said, adding that others are entitled to their opinions.
Lively, 38, has sued Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and others for sexual harassment and retaliation, but claims he denies it. Baldoni’s countersuit accusing Lively and Ryan Reynolds of defamation and racketeering was dismissed. The case is expected to go to trial in May 2026.
