The big news in entertainment today is about Blake Lively – and it’s been a while since there were any headlines in her favour. Even when there was a development in the legal situation that was in her favour, the coverage was muted. Which is what I noted a couple of weeks ago in my post about advocacy groups filing amicus briefs in support of Blake’s motion to dismiss.
Not today though and it has everything to do with that motion to dismiss. Blake asked the court to dismiss Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit and today the judge not only dismissed almost all of Justin’s claims, his lawsuit against the New York Times and Blake’s publicist Leslie Sloane has also been dismissed. The NYT and Leslie Sloane are clear of this mess while Justin can still pursue the remaining two claims from his lawsuit that have to do with “contractual obligations”.
This is a win, there’s no other way to say it…even though there are probably people online trying to say it a different way. She still has a full lawsuit intact against him, and all that remains of his lawsuit is a shell, if that. She still has to prove her case, of course, which is that there was allegedly sexual harassment on set and that he retaliated against her but she no longer has to deal with his accusation that she intentionally meant to defame him and ruin his reputation. It is a big win. For today. This sh-t isn’t done yet. Appeals could go back and forth. It’s not going to trial until March – so all we can say today is that today has worked in Blake Lively’s favour. At least legally.
In the other court, the court of public opinion, that’s probably a different story. I’m sure it’s a mess in the mentions and the comment sections from people who are coming up with all kinds of conspiracy theories about why the judge ruled the way he did and the Blake hate will remain. Because, truly, no legal decision will be enough to change those minds. That, by the way, is probably one of the reasons why Justin Baldoni’s legal team proceeded the way they have over the last few months – they were making more PR maneuvers than they were legal moves. And that will continue. So far I haven’t yet seen the spin from his side in response to this decision, but there’s no doubt it’s coming. Until then, if you’re interested, the judge’s full 132-page opinion and order is here.
What else happened today…
I ask in advance for your forgiveness in the coming days because … well… it’s finally happening, WE ENDURED IT. In just a few hours, BTS’s RM and V will be discharged from the military. The following day Jimin and Jungkook will follow. Suga will be out on June 21. It’s taken two and a half years for all seven members to complete their service to their country and somehow we, ARMY, we got through it, THEY ARE BACK THEY ARE SO BACK, YES I AM SHOUTING AND I’M NOT SORRY. So, to go back to my original point, I will not be OK for the rest of the week. I will be f-cked up in the best way and you’ll probably notice it on the site. In the meantime, just prior to his release, V is out here hanging with award winning filmmakers and actors. (Chosun Biz)
The Fug Girls are saying that Katie Holmes might be the worst dressed at the Tony Awards and… well… it’s hard to argue with that point. (Go Fug Yourself)
Martin Scorsese, the actor, held Martin Scorsese, the director, back from directing The Studio. (Pajiba)
The videos of people demanding that Miley Cyrus sing when she was at a film premiere enrage me. She ended up singing spontaneously because she probably wanted to appease these spoiled brats who felt no way about screaming in the middle of a panel session and I get why she made that call but I wish she didn’t because it reinforces that that kind of behaviour works. (The Mary Sue)
Harry and Meghan Sussex took their kids to Disneyland on the VIP package and seeing Meghan with her ears on reminds me of my theory that everyone looks good in those hats, I don’t know what it is about the design of those ears, how round and perfect they are, but I’ve never seen anyone look bad in one. (Celebitchy)
