Justin Baldoni says he held a prayer gathering before deposition in Blake Lively case

Justin Baldoni spent the night before his deposition in the ongoing legal dispute with Blake Lively surrounded by family, friends, and prayer.

In a transcript from Baldoni’s October 6 deposition, the It Ends With Us actor-director, 41, revealed that he hosted a “prayer gathering” ahead of the lengthy legal proceedings. 

When asked whether he had discussed the subject of the deposition with anyone beforehand, Baldoni said he spoke with his family, his wife, and publicist Jennifer Abel. He noted that friends who attended the gathering were aware that attorneys would question him.

Baldoni sat for more than nine hours of testimony in Los Angeles, including an hour-long lunch break. During questioning, he was asked specifically about conversations with Abel before the deposition. Baldoni said their exchange was not substantive and described it as encouragement rather than preparation. 

According to the transcript, he said Abel told him he would “do great” and reminded him to stay honest. He further elaborated that no details about the case were discussed.

Religion also came up multiple times during the deposition. Baldoni, who has been a member of the Baha’i Faith since birth, said he was aware that people connected to the case have referred to his faith as a cult. When questioned about alleged jokes made by crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and former TAG PR employee Katie Case, Baldoni stated that he had not previously been aware of them.

“I think anytime somebody makes a religious joke, that’s not okay,” he said, while adding that others are entitled to their opinions.

Lively, 38, has sued Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, claims he denies. Baldoni’s countersuit accusing Lively and Ryan Reynolds of defamation and extortion was dismissed. The case is scheduled to go to trial in May 2026.