Justin Baldoni’s legal team has rejected claims that he caused Blake Energetic’s alleged financial losses, arguing her challenges stem from pre-existing status issues.
As their dispute over “It Ends With Us” heads to trial, each side are clashing over claims of reputational harm and projected earnings.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyers also dispute the size of Blake Energetic’s losses, calling them unrealistic, while the actress’s team maintains she suffered significant profession and financial damage.
Baldoni’s lawyers are pushing back against claims that he’s liable for Energetic’s reported financial setbacks, arguing as a substitute that her challenges stem from a pre-existing public image and business track record.
At a recent pre-trial hearing, Baldoni’s lawyers pointed to Energetic’s past public behavior, including her criticism of Kate Middleton, as evidence that any reputational damage didn’t originate from events surrounding “It Ends with Us.”
In response to the Day by day Mail, they argued that her actions through the March 2024 photo-editing controversy contributed to public backlash well before the film’s release.
Energetic had responded to the incident with a satirical, heavily edited image of her own, which drew criticism. She later issued an apology after Kate revealed a cancer diagnosis.
The Director’s Lawyers Slammed Blake Energetic’s Claims Of Hefty Financial Losses
Baldoni’s side also challenged Energetic’s claims of major financial losses, dismissing estimates from her team as exaggerated.
The actress’s attorneys have suggested she lost tens of thousands and thousands in endorsements and potentially a whole bunch of thousands and thousands in projected earnings.
Nonetheless, Baldoni’s lawyer, Amir Kaltgrad, described these figures as “pie within the sky,” describing what he called “unrealistic assumptions” about Energetic’s future workload and income.
In response to court arguments, Energetic earned about $21 million from 4 film projects over eight years before the movie’s release.
In contrast, projections from her expert suggested she could have earned over $140 million in the next five years, a jump Baldoni’s team characterised as implausible, citing what they described as “scattered work history.”
Blake Energetic’s Financial Claims Under Scrutiny As The Former Co-Stars’ Trial Looms
Amid claims of economic losses, Baldoni’s legal team pointed to Energetic’s business ventures, particularly her beverage brand Betty Buzz, as evidence that her issues weren’t tied to any alleged smear campaign.
Court filings indicated that concerns in regards to the brand’s long-term profitability existed independently, with internal discussions suggesting challenges in sustaining growth within the U.S. market.
In consequence, more focus was reportedly placed on expanding her alcoholic line, Betty Booze, because the “anchor product.”
The dispute is a component of a broader legal battle between the previous co-stars, with a trial scheduled for May 18.
Each side are expected to argue over claims of reputational harm and financial damages tied to the fallout from their film collaboration, while the court also considers whether to release currently sealed evidence and set limits on the trial’s duration.
Justin Baldoni’s Side Disputes Online Narrative As The Bring Up ‘Bully’ Allegations Against The Actress
Baldoni’s legal team continues to challenge Energetic’s claims, with one other of his attorneys, Fabien Manohar Thayamballi, arguing that negative online comments labeling her a “bully” weren’t purely the results of any coordinated digital interference.
He pointed to Energetic’s own past actions, including her 2024 remarks about Kate through the edited photo controversy, suggesting that public perception of her behavior had already been shaped before the present dispute.
Meanwhile, speaking outside the courtroom, Energetic’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, downplayed the probabilities of a last-minute settlement. She emphasized that Energetic is targeted on having her side of the story heard in court.
McCawley confirmed that the actress is ready to testify and expects to take the stand. In response to her, Energetic has been anticipating this moment and is able to present her account, expressing confidence because the trial approaches.
“She’s feeling really good… she’s finally at some extent where she’s going to give you the option to inform her side,” she said, per the Day by day Mail.
Hollywood Reportedly Keeps Its Distance As Blake Energetic Faces Fallout From ‘It Ends With Us’ Dispute
Meanwhile, industry response appears to be shifting. Because the legal fight continues, Energetic is claimed to be facing an increasing distance from parts of Hollywood.
Much of the conversation has moved beyond the courtroom to what this case means for her profession standing. Sources suggest studios are proceeding cautiously, wary of the controversy surrounding alleged on-set issues, with one insider describing her current position as that of a “persona non grata.”
Despite that characterization, there was no formal effort to blacklist her. As reported by The Blast, NewsNation journalist Paula Froelich shared that the label reflects industry sentiment relatively than any official motion.
She notes a growing reluctance amongst agents and executives to get entangled while the case stays unresolved, with many opting to maintain their distance from the actress for now.