The legal clash between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a dramatic turn, with Lively bringing in a high-profile crisis expert with ties to the CIA. 

As the co-stars of It Ends With Us face off in court, Lively has hired Nick Shapiro, a former deputy chief of staff at the CIA, to manage the media storm surrounding the case.

This unexpected development has intensified an already high-stakes battle, sparking speculation about the potential impact of Shapiro’s involvement.

Lively vs. Baldoni: A Legal Showdown Turns Explosive

The feud between Lively and Baldoni first became public in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit against her co-star, alleging sexual harassment on set.

She also accused him of launching a smear campaign to damage her reputation after she spoke out. Baldoni, however, did not back down.

Instead, he responded with a staggering $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion.

Adding another layer to the legal battle, Baldoni also filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for libel.

With both sides gearing up for a prolonged fight, the courtroom drama has captivated Hollywood. Now, with Lively bringing in Shapiro, the battle is moving beyond legal arguments and into the world of high-stakes public relations.

Blake Lively’s Strategic Move: The CIA Connection

Lively’s legal team, from the powerhouse law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, confirmed that they have retained Shapiro to handle crisis communications for the case. Known for his work in managing public perception during major controversies, Shapiro has extensive experience dealing with high-profile and politically charged situations.

Before launching his crisis management firm, 10th Avenue Consulting, Shapiro served as a senior advisor to CIA Director John Brennan from 2013 to 2015.

He also worked as a counterterrorism aide in the Obama administration, handling sensitive national security matters.

His expertise in navigating public crises—ranging from the Sandy Hook tragedy to the Boston Marathon bombing—makes him a formidable addition to Lively’s team

By enlisting Shapiro, Lively is signaling that she is taking an aggressive approach not just in court, but in controlling the narrative surrounding the case.

His presence suggests a strategy aimed at neutralizing negative press and positioning her case in the best possible light.

Baldoni’s Response and the PR Battle Intensifies

Baldoni’s legal team, led by prominent attorney Bryan Freedman, has strongly denied Lively’s allegations, calling them “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”

However, with Lively securing a high-profile crisis management expert, the legal battle is no longer just about evidence—it’s about shaping public opinion.

Baldoni has also bolstered his defense by hiring his own PR specialist, Melissa Nathan, who previously worked with Johnny Depp during his defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard. This move suggests that both sides are gearing up for a media war as well as a legal one.

Social Media Reacts to the Spy-Like Twist

The revelation that Lively has turned to a former CIA official has sparked a frenzy online. Social media users have compared the situation to a Hollywood thriller, with many speculating on the implications of her hiring such a high-powered crisis expert.

Some believe it’s a calculated move to counter Baldoni’s legal strategy, while others see it as an indication of how seriously Lively is taking the case.

Posts on X (formerly Twitter) have been buzzing with theories about the CIA connection, with fans debating whether this signals a turning point in the legal battle.

Some view it as a power move by Lively, while others question whether such high-level crisis management is necessary for a Hollywood dispute.

What’s Next? The Road to Trial

With both parties preparing for an intense courtroom fight, the case is set to go to trial in March 2026. Until then, the battle will continue to play out in legal filings and the media.

Lively’s spokesperson has made it clear that Shapiro will focus on shaping the public narrative while her legal team handles the lawsuit itself.

As the legal drama unfolds, one thing is certain—this is no ordinary celebrity lawsuit. With staggering financial stakes, serious allegations, and a growing media circus, Lively and Baldoni’s feud has transformed into one of the most talked-about legal battles in Hollywood. And now, with espionage-level crisis management in the mix, the twists and turns are far from over.