No Filter With Zack Peter

Episode Summary: Breaking: Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni Trial NOT HAPPENING in March, After All, Judge Announces!

Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Zack Peter

Episode Overview

In this fast-moving emergency episode, Zack Peter shares breaking news on the high-profile Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni legal case. Zack offers up-to-the-minute developments about the postponed trial date, parsing out the judge’s reasoning, insight into the parties’ legal strategies, and the latest on related celebrity legal dramas. Zack also explores how this extended scandal continues to impact everyone involved, including tangential Hollywood players. Listeners are invited to weigh in on the public opinion battle now waging alongside the legal one.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Update: Lively v. Baldoni Trial Delayed

• Trial Postponement:
  • Judge Lyman announced the highly anticipated Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni trial, previously set for March, will not go forward as planned. [00:10]
  • The new trial date is now set for May 18, 2026.
  • The judge is busy with two other, as yet unrevealed, criminal cases that must take precedence.
  • There may be a decision as early as January regarding summary judgment, potentially ending the case before a trial. Next key date: January 22, the hearing for motion for summary judgment. [03:10]
• Quote:

  "Judge Lyman said, ‘Hey, you guys, I'm a little busy right now. I have two other trials...we have to move it.’ So he's pushing it back until May." — Zack [04:15]

2. Potential for Early Resolution

• Summary Judgment Hearing:
  • On January 22, Judge Lyman will hear oral arguments for summary judgment.
  • He could dismiss Lively’s claims then, which would mean no trial in May.
  • Most suspect a slim possibility for early resolution; however, audience sentiment is notable: people seem eager for a conclusion, regardless of outcome.
• Quote:

  "There is a sliver of a chance ... Judge Lyman will be making a decision on whether or not this moves forward to trial or whether or not he's going to dismiss Blake Lively's claims altogether." — Zack [04:50]

3. Public Fatigue and Reputation Fallout

• Prolonged drama is exhausting for all parties, including fans and pundits.
• Many believe Blake Lively’s public image is beyond repair, even if she wins at trial.
• Zack discusses the notion of whether settling (rather than seeing the trial through) could mitigate public resentment toward Lively. [10:00]
  • Chat engagement: Many think only an apology and accountability might move public opinion, which they doubt will happen.
• Notable Quote:

  "I don't know how she's not tired. I don't know what type of caffeine she's on, because we're all tired, Blake. We are tired." — Zack [08:30]

• Audience Poll Question:

  "If Blake Lively were to settle before trial, would that make you hate her a little bit less?" — Zack [11:10]

• Chat responses reflect deep skepticism; some say a public apology might help, but most think her reputation is "cooked."

4. Broader Fallout & Hollywood Connections

• Others in the orbit of the scandal (e.g., Isabella Ferrer, Colleen Hoover, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate) have seen professional consequences.
  • Some, like Brandon Sklenar, are still getting roles, which Zack attributes to their relationships with higher-powered figures like Blake Lively and Paul Feig.
• Industry speculation: Connections and “pulling strings” still seem to help, but audiences are increasingly skeptical.
  • Zack voices doubts about claims that Sydney Sweeney (rather than Blake Lively) got Brandon Sklenar cast in Housemaid [23:00].
• Quote:

  "You think I just fell out of a coconut tree? No ... there's still a benefit that he gains from the power and privilege that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have in Hollywood." — Zack [24:00]

5. Trial Coverage & Star Witness Potential

• The trial, if it happens, is set to be NON-public (no live-stream, only court sketches/reports).
• Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman could be called as witnesses, but it's considered unlikely at this time. [28:20]
• Quote:

  "There's a slim chance that Taylor Swift could be called as a witness at trial. I highly doubt that that will happen." — Zack [30:00]

6. Related Legal Dramas

• Updates on other celebrity lawsuits:
  • Miley Cyrus’s secret-mom allegations were dismissed with prejudice; Billy Ray Cyrus prevailed.
  • Rachel Leviss's lawsuit against Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval (from Vanderpump Rules "Scandoval" saga) is still pending, awaiting a January/February hearing.
  • Sandoval likely heading to trial unless there’s a settlement, which doesn't seem to be happening yet. [01:50 – 03:05]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Zack’s exasperation:

  "We are tired, we are sick and tired of all of this. You keep dragging it out." [08:40]

• Pointed humor:

  "Can we just quantum leap ourselves to this finish line? Because, like, I just need a decision." [06:00]

• Chat take:

  "If she’s remorseful, I would forgive her." — Listener, responding to Zack’s poll [13:30]
  "Selfishly, maybe hate her a tad bit less, but it would all depend on the PR around her settling..." — Raquel LM Hansen [14:00]

• On the judge’s unenviable position:

  "The judge is in a no win situation. We’re lost. I’m going to pull over and ask that man for directions…" [21:00]

• Regarding other fallout:

  "Brandon, I feel like, is really kind of getting by unscathed. And I think it’s because he wasn’t as big of a name." [22:00]

• On Taylor Swift as a potential witness:

  "What a BO bombshell that will be!" [29:30]

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | 00:10 – 04:45 | Breaking news; trial rescheduled to May 18 | | 04:45 – 06:30 | Judge’s reasoning, possibility of dismissal | | 08:00 – 12:00 | Public fatigue, possible settlement impact | | 13:00 – 15:00 | Chat responses on forgiveness/reputation | | 20:30 – 24:30 | Hollywood fallout; Brandon Sklenar casting | | 28:20 – 30:30 | Taylor Swift, Hugh Jackman as potential witnesses | | 01:50 – 03:05 | Quick updates on Miley Cyrus, Scandoval lawsuits|

Tone & Style

Zack is characteristically unfiltered, witty, and conversational—with a flair for snark, digressions into related pop culture, and an open invitation for live chat participation. He mixes in direct opinion, humor (“coconut tree” analogies), and lip commentary on media narratives and celebrity reputation.

Closing Thoughts

Zack promises continued full coverage of the Lively v. Baldoni saga through the next hearing and potential trial, commiserating with listeners on the length of the process and the collateral damage in Hollywood. He wraps with quick takes on unrelated minor news (late-night hosts, Today Show shakeups) and shouts out community members and other creators.

For ongoing details and real-time updates, follow @nofilterwithzack and tune in for upcoming episodes.