Johnny Depp’s lawyer, Benjamin Chew, has spoken out about the ongoing legal drama surrounding It Ends With Us, starring Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. During an appearance on Law&Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber, Chew described Baldoni’s recent legal tactics as “very aggressive.”
“I think it is very aggressive,” Chew commented on Baldoni’s decision to launch a website with his amended complaint and an “alleged timeline of relevant events.” He continued, “I think it is very impressive,” adding that such actions are uncommon before a hearing, though he acknowledged that the team likely vetted the material carefully.
The website in question features a series of text messages, emails, and other content related to conversations between Baldoni, Lively, and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Chew noted, “Posting a pleading doesn’t seem to me to be out of bounds. These are pleadings made in the public records. But when it comes to work product or advocacy pieces, then I think it’s getting closer to the line.”
Despite his reservations, Chew referred to Baldoni’s move as a “bold” and “novel” approach. When asked to compare the It Ends With Us drama to Depp’s defamation case against Amber Heard, Chew pointed out that both sides face the risk of a jury failing to fully grasp the significance of the case, as was a concern in Depp and Heard’s trial.
Remaining neutral when asked which of the two stars has the upper hand, Chew did note that “the more they can cite to audiotape and videotape, the more persuasive that evidence is.” He emphasised that such materials are particularly impactful, saying, “Everybody can see it, and I think it’s much more impactful than just assertions, certainly assertions of counsel.”