The Brett Cooper Show

Episode: Justin Baldoni Just Won Big Against Blake Lively

Date: April 4, 2026
Host: Brett Cooper

Episode Overview

In this bonus episode, Brett Cooper provides an in-depth breakdown of the latest legal developments between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. A judge has dismissed the majority of Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Baldoni, leaving only a few contractual allegations to proceed. Brett dissects the media's coverage, the legal technicalities, and the broader cultural implications, highlighting how narratives shift in high-stakes celebrity cases. The episode is characterized by Brett’s signature sharp, slightly sarcastic tone, a detailed review of the judge’s order, and pointed criticism of perceived media and feminist spin.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Legal Update: Case Dismissals & Remaining Claims

• Majority of Claims Dismissed: Judge dismissed 10 out of 13 claims made by Lively, including all sexual harassment, conspiracy, and defamation charges ([00:45]).

• Remaining Claims: The trial will move forward on breach of contract and two retaliation claims ([01:15]).

• Justin Baldoni's Team Statement: Expresses gratitude toward the court for its thorough review, noting only a "significantly narrowed case" remains ([01:54]).

  "We are grateful to the court for its careful review of the facts, law, and voluminous evidence… What's left is a significantly narrowed case." — Justin Baldoni's team ([01:54])

2. Blake Lively’s PR Response & Narrative Pivot

• Lively’s Statement: Focuses on alleged retaliation and damage to her reputation, downplaying previously central sexual harassment claims ([02:10]).

• Brett’s Critique: Calls out the "rewriting of history" by Lively's team, mocking the pivot in messaging.

• Attorney’s Contradiction: Plays an earlier clip of Lively's attorney clearly stating the case was about sexual harassment ([03:29]).

  "This case is about her performing her job in the workplace and being subject to sexual harassment. That's it. That's what this case is about." — Lively’s attorney ([03:29])

3. Media & Social Analysis: Mainstream Coverage, Feminist Outrage

• Media Oversimplification: Brett criticizes outlets like TMZ and pop culture blogs for focusing solely on technicalities of contractor vs employee, ignoring the judge’s substantive reasoning ([04:40]).

• Dismissals Not Merely Technical: Judge not only cited Lively's contractor status, but also walked through each harassment claim, explaining in detail why they lacked merit ([07:10]).

• Cultural Critique: Brett lampoons feminist voices for blaming "the patriarchy" or "the system," reading out social media posts and skewering their one-sidedness ([05:12]).

  "Thank you ladies for not reading the full order… Jessica, you are missing the facts." — Brett Cooper ([05:45])

4. Detailed Judge’s Rulings on Dismissed Claims

Brett methodically examines each major allegation and the judge’s reasoning for dismissal:

a. Uncomfortable Circumcision Conversation ([10:14])

• Judge: Conversation happened before employment; even if awkward, doesn’t support a hostile work environment.

• Brett: Criticizes Lively for bringing a pre-contract conversation into a lawsuit years later.

  "If it was so weird, so hostile, so perverse, she should have walked away. But instead, she signed on with him..." — Brett ([10:34])

b. Sex Scene Script Edits ([12:03])

• Judge: Discussing sexual acts in scripting for an adult-themed story (a Colleen Hoover adaptation known for such content) is contextually appropriate.

• Brett: Ridicules the pearl-clutching over “smut” in a book-to-film adaptation specifically chosen for its steamy content.

  "You cannot claim that this man was harassing you. Okay? Anyway, moving on now..." — Brett ([13:44])

c. Fat Shaming Allegation ([14:06])

• Judge: Discussion with a shared trainer about Lively’s weight was work-related, not gender discrimination.

• Brett: Mocks the “harassment” framing, noting everything cited was in pursuit of normal production needs.

  "Talking to your shared trainer about how much you weigh so that he doesn't hurt himself doing his job. Ridiculous." — Brett ([14:22])

d. Dance Scene “Improvisation” ([15:45])

• Judge: Conduct took place in context of the job—performing in a romantic role where improvisation is expected; no indication of gender bias or inappropriate behavior.

• Brett: Emphasizes the critical importance of artistic freedom on set and points out the hypocrisy as Lively herself improvised affectionate gestures in scenes.

  "If this was a precedent that Blake was setting...Hollywood would just implode. You literally could not do your job as an artist." — Brett ([16:28])

  "He was acting in the scene, dummy." — Brett, paraphrasing the judge ([17:11])

e. Control & Power Dynamics ([18:24])

• Lively’s own letter to the PGA bragging about her complete creative and managerial control is used by the judge to undercut her victim claims.

• Brett reads lengthy portions from the court order, showing Lively repeatedly assumed power and leadership, undercutting any “employee” or powerless narrative.

  "You can be the most powerful person in the room or you can be the employee that was wronged by your boss. But arguing both at the same time...is a genuinely difficult position to be in." — Quoting a Redditor ([20:24])

5. Reflection on Motives and the Bigger Picture

• Brett suggests Lively’s legal strategy may have been more about PR, power, and industry leverage than about genuine harassment.

• The timing of public accusations, PR maneuvers, and the involvement of high-profile friends (Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift) are discussed as strategic moves to take control of the franchise ([21:50]).

  "She was painting herself as the victim, while simultaneously...she actually was in the driver's seat of this film." — Brett ([22:06])

6. Baldoni’s Countersuit and Implications

• Recap of Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit for defamation being dismissed, not for lack of evidence but because statements made in lawsuits are privileged and protected ([23:23]).

• Brett argues this countersuit was largely a PR move, intended to show public resolve and restore reputation.

  "He just wanted to be on the record fighting back in a massive way, a $400 million way…" — Brett ([23:56])

7. Conclusion and What’s Next ([25:16])

• The case continues with only contractual and retaliation claims to be tried in May.
• Brett expresses eagerness to cover the outcome, and extends a tongue-in-cheek invitation to both parties to let her witness proceedings for "the people, for America."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Media Spin:

  “Rather than putting out a succinct statement…they decided that their best strategy was going to be rewriting history.” — Brett Cooper ([02:10])

• On Social Media Reaction:

  "Thank you ladies for not reading the full order…Jessica, you are missing the facts." — Brett Cooper ([05:45])

• On the Judge’s Logic:

  “Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed upon script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment. Boom. Mic drop. Judge Lehman, you just saved Hollywood.” — Brett Cooper, reading/paraphrasing the judge’s order ([16:28])

• Paraphrasing House Style:

  "He was acting in the scene, dummy." — Brett Cooper, channeling the judge’s tone ([17:11])

• On Power Dynamics:

  "You can be the most powerful person in the room or you can be the employee that was wronged…But arguing both at the same time…is a genuinely difficult position to be in." — (Quoting Redditor, [20:24])

• On The Bigger Picture:

  “What Blake Lively might not have expected is that people in 2026, 2025, were not just going to roll over and believe all women.” — Brett Cooper ([07:35])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:45 — Introduction to major developments in the Lively v. Baldoni case
• 01:15 — Breakdown of which claims are dismissed and which proceed
• 01:54 — Baldoni's team official statement
• 02:10 — Lively's PR pivot and Brett’s critique
• 03:29 — Clip of Lively’s attorney, confirming sexual harassment was the core of the case
• 04:40 — Critique of media simplification and incomplete reporting
• 10:14–13:44 — Detailed analysis of each major dismissed claim by category
• 15:45 — Artistic freedom and the risk to creative industries
• 18:24 — Lively’s PGA letter undercuts her position
• 20:24 — Quoting Redditor on the irony of Lively's dual narratives
• 21:50 — The PR war, power dynamics, and behind-the-scenes campaign
• 23:23–23:56 — Baldoni’s dismissed countersuit and PR strategy
• 25:16 — What comes next; trial set for May

Final Takeaways

• Judge’s Ruling: Dismissed nearly all of Lively’s claims based on both legal technicalities and substantive lack of evidence or hostile circumstances.
• Narrative Shift: Lively’s team is now attempting to reframe the case as solely about retaliation, contrary to prior messaging and court statements.
• Industry Implications: Brett argues this is both a win for due process and an essential reinforcement of creative workplace boundaries in Hollywood.
• Next Steps: Remaining claims for breach of contract and retaliation will proceed to trial in May.

This summary reflects the content and commentary style of Brett Cooper, retaining the tone, directness, and humor featured throughout the episode for listeners who want a comprehensive wrap-up without sifting through the full recording.