The delicate balance between privacy rights and the public’s right to information took center stage in the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, as Radio Law Talk’s hosts examined how courts handle sensitive information in high-profile cases.
This was just one of several compelling legal stories analyzed in the March 15, 2025 episode of Radio Law Talk, led by host and renowned California personal injury attorney Frederick W. Penney of Penney & Associates and co-hosts Denise Dirks and Todd Kuhnen. (Note: This is not legal advice)
Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: Legal and PR Warfare Continues
The most extensive discussion centered on the ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which has taken countless twists and turns since the release of “It Ends With Us” in 2024. The lawyers analyzed recent court developments regarding privacy issues in the case:
- The hosts discussed how courts generally don’t like withholding information from the public and require compelling reasons for privacy
- Lively has been trying to keep certain information private, while Baldoni argues she started the dispute by making information public
- The panel noted that the protective order was granted for certain things, particularly Lively’s security details and medical records
- The hosts noted that if the case proceeds to trial, much of this information would likely become public, increasing pressure to settle
The panel discussed the implications of potential depositions, including those of Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman (due to his friendship with Ryan Reynolds), and the broader media impact of the case. The social media fallout also seized the attention of Penney and his co-hosts, with Lively reportedly losing 1.2 million followers while Baldoni has gained 350,000 since the lawsuit began. They concluded that the public nature of the dispute makes settlement increasingly difficult despite it potentially being in both parties’ best interests.
Safety Checklists and Legal Liability: The Truck Driver Case
In their trademark “Case or No Case” segment, the hosts analyzed a scenario involving a truck driver who ignored a mandatory safety checklist. The consequence was a faulty turn signal that contributed to an accident with a Mercedes SUV:
- The truck driver, with 22 years of driving experience, believed he didn’t need the checklist required by his company
- Though he activated his turn signal when changing lanes, the relay was faulty and the light didn’t work
- The Mercedes driver had dashboard camera evidence showing no visible turn signal
- During the trial, the truck driver couldn’t produce the required checklist
- The verdict: The truck driver was found liable, highlighting the legal importance of following required safety protocols
The case demonstrated how failing to follow established safety procedures can create clear legal liability, even when a driver believes their experience negates the need for such precautions.
Disney Prevails in Moana Copyright Case
A fascinating copyright infringement case involving Disney’s hit film Moana was also discussed:
- Animator Buck Woodall claimed Disney stole his concept “Bucky the Surfer Boy” for the original 2016 Moana film
- Woodall sued Disney Buena Vista Home Entertainment (not Disney directly) due to statute of limitations issues
- A jury found in Disney’s favor, primarily because there was no evidence that Disney’s creative team had ever seen Woodall’s concept
- Despite this loss, Woodall has filed a separate lawsuit regarding Moana 2
The hosts noted this case illustrates the difficulty of proving copyright infringement with similar story concepts that follow common narrative patterns
Courtroom Mishaps: A Prosecutor’s Embarrassing Moment
In a lighter discussion, the hosts analyzed an embarrassing incident during a high-profile trial in Colombia:
- During a bribery case against a former Colombian president, a prosecutor connected her computer to the courtroom display system
- Nude images unexpectedly appeared on all courtroom screens
- The hosts debated the best professional response to such a situation, agreeing that a brief apology and moving on quickly would be most effective
- The prosecutor in question repeatedly apologized and tried to explain, while everyone in the courtroom laughed
The hosts used this incident to illustrate an important lesson for all attorneys: always check what might be on your electronic devices before connecting them to public display systems in court.
From the Archive: The Toll House Cookie Origin Story
In a fascinating historical legal anecdote, the panel shared the story behind the famous Toll House chocolate chip cookie:
- A restaurant owner named Ruth created the cookie recipe (which became the Toll House cookie) and included Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate
- When newspapers published her recipe mentioning the Nestle product, sales spiked in the area
- Rather than pursuing legal action, Nestle struck a deal with Ruth, paying her $1 and providing a lifetime supply of chocolate
- Nestle then developed chocolate chips specifically for the cookie recipe
- The recipe is still printed on Nestle chocolate chip packages today
Final Thoughts
The diverse range of topics covered in this episode demonstrates the breadth of legal issues that can impact both high-profile celebrities and everyday citizens. From entertainment industry disputes to practical safety protocols, understanding the legal implications of one’s actions remains essential in navigating today’s complex legal landscape.
Need Legal Help?
If you’ve been injured in an accident or need legal representation in California, Penney & Associates is here to help. With offices throughout California, our experienced trial attorneys provide personalized representation focused on getting you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation:
- Phone: (800) 616-4529
- Contact Penney & Associates now
Our team, led by Radio Law Talk host Frederick Penney, has decades of experience handling personal injury cases of all types — from car accidents and electric scooter accidents to train accidents and more. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need.
Note: Radio Law Talk broadcasts every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon Pacific time. This recap covers selected portions of the March 15, 2025, broadcast. Complete episode recordings are available on the Radio Law Talk website and major podcast platforms.
