Podcast Summary: "Intentionally Disrupting"

Host: Dr. Leslie Dobson
Episode: Blake Lively Expert Psychologist Report on ENTIRE Case Explained – No Media BS or False Narratives
Date: January 24, 2026

Episode Overview

In this darkly comedic yet deeply insightful episode, Dr. Leslie Dobson—a forensic psychologist known for her fearless candor—dives into the 115-page expert psychological report created by Dr. Jennifer Freyd on the high-profile Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni, et al. case. Dr. Leslie strips away media spin to give listeners a guided tour through the fundamentals of betrayal trauma, institutional betrayal, and DARVO, illuminating how they apply not just to this case, but to the broader patterns of abuse and victim response that permeate society. Peppered with sarcasm and exasperation, Leslie is as biting as she is empathetic, aiming to both inform and entertain.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Significance of Dr. Jennifer Freyd’s Report

[00:00 - 03:00]

• Dr. Leslie introduces Dr. Jennifer Freyd, highlighting Freyd’s pivotal role in defining and researching terms like coercive control, DARVO, and betrayal trauma.
• Freyd’s expertise, credibility, and objectivity as a retained forensic psychologist are emphasized, countering any dismissal of her as a mere "hired gun".

Notable Quote

“This is a badass bitch right here... She is extremely respected in our field.”
— Dr. Leslie Dobson [02:10]

2. Key Concepts Defined by Dr. Freyd

[03:00 - 13:30]

Betrayal Trauma

• Betrayal trauma is defined as trauma inflicted by someone the victim depends on, making it uniquely damaging versus impersonal trauma.
• Symptoms include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and chronic trust issues.

“Severity of trauma is thus not primarily about the severity of the behaviors of the perpetrator, but rather the relational betrayal inherent in the perpetrator’s behaviors.”
— Dr. Jennifer Freyd (as read by Dr. Leslie) [06:40]

Betrayal Blindness

• Refers to the victim’s inability to recognize or remember betrayal, serving as a coping mechanism to maintain essential relationships.

“Victims frequently do not fully perceive, remember or comprehend the betrayal... Betrayal blindness can thus cause victims to fail to recognize or fully recognize that they are being mistreated by someone.”
— Dr. Jennifer Freyd (as read by Dr. Leslie) [08:45]

Institutional Betrayal

• When institutions (e.g., employers, studios) betray individuals by enabling, ignoring, or retaliating after complaints.
• Psychological and physical harm are direct consequences.

“When an employer creates harmful policies, or fails to protect, when there is a reasonable expectation to be protected... that’s institutional betrayal.”
— Dr. Leslie Dobson [11:00]

DARVO

• Acronym for Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender.
• Perpetrators accused of misconduct deny the behavior, attack the victim’s credibility, and recast themselves as the real victim—a tactic often mirrored by supporting institutions or defenders.

“So as soon as Justin Baldoni knew that Blake was going to get legal... he posted an article saying he was the victim of sexual harassment by an ex-girlfriend. So he did exactly this.”
— Dr. Leslie Dobson [13:05]

3. Application to the Blake Lively Case

[13:30 - 30:00]

Summary of Expert Opinion

• Dr. Freyd concludes Blake Lively endured betrayal trauma, institutional betrayal, and DARVO at the hands of Justin Baldoni, Jamie Heath, Wayfair Studios, Sony, and affiliated entities.
• Defendants’ actions increased the risk of mental and physical distress for Lively.

Case Timeline & Incidents

• Early Interactions ([19:00]): Lively’s professional relationship with Baldoni starts on a positive note, with initial "love bombing" and positive impression management.
  • Red flag: In the first meeting, Baldoni makes an inappropriate comment about his circumcision, which Lively brushes off—a precursor to ongoing boundary violations.
  • Leslie’s take: “Maybe she was being naive. Maybe she was being manipulated.”
• On-Set Behavior ([21:00]):
  • Baldoni and Heath exert near-total control over Lively’s working conditions.
  • Script changes introduce nudity and sexual content without Lively’s prior consent.
  • Baldoni discusses his sex life and pornography addiction, making inappropriate comments and improvising intimate contact during scenes.
  • Heath enters Lively’s trailer while she is nude, disregarding explicit requests for privacy.
  • Wayfair and Sony fail to investigate or provide human resources support despite multiple complaints.
  • Internal protocols are set only after extensive negotiation—raising the question: “Why does she even need to do that? Why can't they just fucking control themselves?”

Notable Quote

“This institutional hierarchy allowed Wayfarer to engage in unchecked misconduct facilitated by Sony, leaving Ms. Lively with little to no recourse.”
— Dr. Jennifer Freyd (as cited by Dr. Leslie) [25:30]

Polyvictimization ([18:40])

• Experiencing multiple types of abuse (sexual harassment, betrayal, gaslighting) dramatically worsens mental and physical health outcomes.
• Dr. Leslie laments the lack of a full, objective forensic assessment of Lively’s trauma.

4. Institutional Gaslighting & Media Spin

[28:00 - end]

• As Lively and others begin speaking out, the institutions double down on minimization and gaslighting rather than accepting responsibility.
• Ryan Reynolds (Lively’s husband) is documented as having repeatedly tried in vain to seek help and protect Lively’s reputation from smearing campaigns.
• “Sony's taking notes... but they won't produce it or do anything about it. They won’t take it seriously.” [27:30]

Case Study of DARVO in Action

Example breakdown:

• Deny: “Whatever you’re saying happened isn’t my fault.”
• Attack: “You’re just trying to make me look bad.”
• Reverse: “I can’t believe you’re trying to make this my fault.”

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Dr. Leslie’s signature mix of sarcasm and exasperated realism:

  • “[Freyd] charges $800 an hour… probably low-end for something like this because of... all of the hate she’s probably going to get from the Baldoni cult people.” [05:00]
  • “Yeah, well, we all know that’s bullshit. Now.” [22:20]
  • “Give me a fucking break.” [28:45]

• Unflinching honesty about flaws in legal and forensic protocols and the failings of those in power.

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction to the case and Dr. Freyd’s report
• 03:00 — Definitions: betrayal trauma, betrayal blindness
• 11:00 — Institutional betrayal explained
• 13:00 — DARVO unpacked and directly linked to case behavior
• 18:40 — Polyvictimization and cumulative trauma
• 19:00 — Application to Blake Lively’s experience: first red flags
• 21:00 — On-set incidents and elevation of risk/harm
• 25:30 — Sony and Wayfarer’s institutional complicity detailed
• 27:30 — Gaslighting and institutional minimization of complaints

Conclusion

Dr. Leslie Dobson’s analysis of Dr. Jennifer Freyd’s expert psychologist report strips away both media sensationalism and legal theater. This thorough, lively, and darkly comedic breakdown emphasizes the psychological realities behind victim experiences—especially in high-power, high-profile environments. The episode is essential not only for those following the Blake Lively case, but for anyone seeking to understand the complicated intersections of abuse, power, institutions, and the modern language we use to describe it.

To be continued, as Dr. Leslie notes she must pause the session and will return to Lively’s personal response and psychological aftermath in a follow-up episode.