Hollywood is a small town, but Justin Baldoni’s latest legal twist proves it’s even smaller than we thought. The Jane the Virgin star has enlisted powerhouse attorney Bryan Freedman to represent him in his legal battle against Blake Lively—but here’s the kicker: Freedman once sued Baldoni himself over a copyright infringement case.
Yep, you read that right. The same lawyer who’s now fighting for Baldoni previously represented a man who accused the actor of stealing his script and turning it into the hit film Five Feet Apart.
Talk about awkward legal reunions!
From Courtroom Opponent to Legal Ally
Back in 2021, Freedman represented Travis Flores, a screenwriter who claimed that Baldoni ripped off his script for a movie called Three Feet Distance—which was inspired by Flores’ own life experiences.
According to the lawsuit, Flores alleged that while collaborating with Baldoni on a separate project, the actor-turned-director got his hands on the script behind Flores’ back and allegedly used it to create the tearjerker Five Feet Apart, starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson.
The lawsuit, which cited copyright infringement and breach of contract, was eventually settled out of court—but the drama didn’t stop there. Tragically, Flores passed away last year, bringing an emotional end to his fight for justice.
Fast forward to 2024, and now Freedman has done a complete 180—switching sides to represent Baldoni in not one, but two major lawsuits against Hollywood A-listers and media giants.
Baldoni vs. Blake Lively: A Legal Showdown
Baldoni’s latest legal war pits him against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, in a high-stakes lawsuit surrounding the highly anticipated film It Ends With Us.
Lively and her legal team are accusing Freedman of making “prejudicial public statements” about the case, leading them to request a court order to silence him from leaking key evidence and stirring up media frenzy.
Sources close to the case say that Freedman has been aggressively advocating for Baldoni, firing shots at Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, and other figures involved in the behind-the-scenes drama of the film adaptation.
Lively’s team is reportedly furious and believes Freedman’s public comments could taint the jury’s perspective, putting them at a serious disadvantage if the case goes to trial.
Hollywood’s Legal Circus: Switching Sides Is Nothing New
While it might seem shocking that Freedman went from suing Baldoni to defending him, it’s not unheard of in the cutthroat world of entertainment law.
Top-tier Hollywood attorneys often find themselves on both sides of the courtroom, jumping from adversary to advocate depending on the client, the case, and—let’s be honest—the paycheck.
One insider told TMZ,
“It’s just business. In Hollywood, if you hold grudges, you don’t work.”
But not everyone is convinced it’s all water under the bridge. Some industry insiders are raising eyebrows at Freedman’s sudden change of allegiance, questioning whether this partnership could get messy given their complicated history.
The Other Legal Battle: Baldoni vs. The New York Times
As if taking on Blake Lively wasn’t enough, Baldoni is also going head-to-head with The New York Times in a separate lawsuit.
The actor is reportedly furious over what he claims are defamatory statements made about his handling of various film projects and professional dealings.
Freedman is once again at the center of this legal fight, proving that he’s all-in on Team Baldoni—regardless of their rocky past.
What’s Next for Baldoni and Freedman?
Despite the legal drama, Baldoni remains focused on his career, with It Ends With Us still slated for release in 2025. Meanwhile, Freedman continues to aggressively represent his client—whether Lively’s team likes it or not.
Fans are eagerly watching to see if this unlikely legal duo can come out on top, or if their past might come back to haunt them.
And as for whether Baldoni and Freedman’s partnership will stand the test of time? In Hollywood, anything is possible.
Social Media Reacts: Fans Weigh In on the Legal Shenanigans
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the bizarre legal twist:
- “Only in Hollywood would your lawyer sue you one year and fight for you the next!”
- “Why is Justin always in some legal mess? Blake better watch out!”
- “Freedman must have offered a good discount after suing Baldoni LOL.”
Will Baldoni and Lively Face Off in Court?
For now, Baldoni and his legal team are gearing up for a courtroom showdown with Lively and her crew. Whether a settlement is on the horizon or this battle turns into a full-fledged Hollywood saga, one thing is certain—this legal drama is far from over.
Stay tuned for updates as we follow the juicy twists and turns of this It Ends With Us legal war!
What do YOU think about Justin Baldoni teaming up with the lawyer who once sued him? Is it just business, or is it a recipe for disaster? Let us know in the comments!