Justin Baldoni spent the night before his testimony in his ongoing legal dispute with Blake Lively surrounded by family, friends and prayers.
In a transcript of Baldoni’s October 6 statement, And it ends with us The 41-year-old actor and director revealed he hosted a “prayer gathering” ahead of the lengthy legal proceedings.
When asked if he had discussed the deposition with anyone beforehand, Baldoni said he had spoken with his family, wife and publicist Jennifer Appel. He pointed out that the friends who attended the gathering were aware that the lawyers would question him.
Baldoni sat for more than nine hours to testify in Los Angeles, including an hour-long lunch break. During cross-examination, he was specifically asked about conversations with Abel prior to testifying. Baldoni said that their exchange was not substantive and described it as encouragement, not preparation.
According to the transcript, he said Abel told him he was “going to do a great job” and reminded him to stay honest. He explained that no details about the case were discussed.
Religion also appeared several times during the deposition. Baldoni, who has been a member of the Baha’i faith since birth, said he was aware that people connected to the case referred to his faith as a sect. When asked about the alleged jokes made by crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and former TAG PR employee Katie Case, Baldoni stated that he was not previously aware of them.
“I think any time someone makes a religious joke, it’s not acceptable,” he said, adding that others have the right to express their opinions.
Lively, 38, has sued Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and others, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, which he denies. Baldoni’s countersuit accusing Lively and Ryan Reynolds of defamation and extortion has been dismissed. The case is scheduled to come to court in May 2026.