What Victoria Burke Thinks About Blake Lively's Legal Tactics in 'It Ends With Us' Dispute
Victoria Burke Critiques Blake Lively's Legal Strategy
Victoria Burke, the key figure behind California's survivor-protection legislation, has voiced her disapproval of Blake Lively's legal strategy in her ongoing conflict with Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of 'It Ends With Us.' During her guest appearance on 'The Megyn Kelly Show,' Burke raised concerns about the application of the law in this high-profile case. In a clip shared by the show's official account, she was questioned about whether Lively was misusing the California Survivor's Law in her request for legal fees. Burke highlighted that many survivors are deterred by the threat of defamation lawsuits, which can silence them due to the exorbitant costs associated with legal defense.
Burke elaborated on her apprehensions, stating, "You hit the nail on the head regarding the fears that many survivors experience; often, defamation lawsuits are wielded to silence them. When faced with such a lawsuit, individuals realize that defending themselves could cost them five, six, or even seven figures over several years, making silence a more affordable option." She emphasized that the law was crafted to empower survivors to defend themselves and reclaim attorney's fees and damages if they succeed without malice. As the author of the legislation, Burke pointed out that it was meant to safeguard those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination.
In her remarks, Burke expressed her disappointment at witnessing her bill become part of a public spectacle, saying, “I never imagined my bill would be at the center of such a widely watched story.” She criticized Lively and her team for allegedly using the law as a public relations strategy, asserting, "As the creator of the bill, I firmly believe in its constitutionality. I don’t think the judge should award attorney fees in this situation." Burke's statements reflect her concern that the law's focus has strayed from its original purpose of aiding survivors.
Burke further articulated her fears that Lively's legal actions could turn the narrative into a public relations effort rather than a serious conversation about survivor rights. “I was concerned that this would devolve into merely a PR campaign for her, and it wouldn’t center on survivors anymore. I didn’t want her to transform my bill into the Met Gala,” she remarked, emphasizing her dedication to the law's foundational intent.
Lively's legal struggle with Baldoni has garnered renewed interest following her allegations of retaliation after making claims of sexual harassment related to their 2024 film, 'It Ends With Us.' In response, Baldoni's attorney, Ellyn Garofalo, argued before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman that Lively's request for attorney fees was an attempt to bypass a jury trial that was nullified when a settlement was reached before a scheduled May trial.