Yes, I agree. There’s probably more to the story. I think the point that people are making though is it’s really hard from the context that we know so far, why she would complain or why this is close to sexual harassment or workplace mistreatment. It sounds like it’s most these guys are a little socially awkward. I just am not sure thats worth burning down their careers. Not geling with some of the cast and maybe having some communication issues, I imagine that describes almost every set in the history of movie making. It’s just that it’s been nine months and this is the only information we’re getting… Just feels off and that maybe Blake was digging around for small slights and encouraged people to blow them up. I also feel like the social awkwardness is maybe benefiting them in other ways. If you look at the slate of movies and projects they’ve produced, they are way off the main stream, and they are not telling traditional stories. The movie with Scarlett Johansson directing, the one about the Indian boy getting Oscar buzz, The Harper and Will one which I was shocked didn’t get any Oscar nods, considering how well done and emotional that was. They clearly have a different perspective and I think one that is off the mainstream and very welcome. That of course, doesn’t mean that they get to harass people, but I am one of those people that sees no evidence of harassment and just sees Blake lively being irrationally offended and impossible to please, and hell-bent on taking over parts of this movie. I very much think she took advantage of both their social awkwardness, and also their empathy and overall kindness. |
I almost feel bad for Blake for having all these people around her willing to fleece her. This was a loser case for her, and her team should have tried to talk her out of it. Instead they’ve obviously encouraged her. I’m a lawyer and it sickens me how often I see my litigator colleagues trying to encourage cases (or not discourage them) because it’s a gravy train for them. It happens, it just does. |
Exactly. This version of the story has been PR’d up to only say all of the nice things. There is certainly nothing in here to lodge a complaint about. In fact, it’s super nice. So clearly something is missing. Otherwise it’s not believable. |
PP - I mean, certainly, if the story happened as it was presented in The Hollywood Reporter and by Billy Bush, then Slate looks awful. I do want to hear her side though. I have never seen her in anything or heard of her outside the context of this movie, so I have absolutely no bias for her. I just tend to think people act reasonably unless I have reason to believe otherwise, and the idea that she would complain to HR about this incredibly kind act is just so unreasonable that there has got to be more context. I'd rather wait for that than say "OMG, she's terrible." (General comment, I don't think you're saying that). |
Serious (but dumb) question: are you allowed to cull out your emails and texts during the time you are considering filing a lawsuit but before you file it? And warn your friends to do the same? Nothing is filed yet so there is no hold order. |
It would be extremely unethical, and would put one at risk for evidence spoliation. |
Maybe I watch too many crime things and maybe this only applies to criminal investigations, but in every true crime doc I’ve seen recently everyone tries to delete their text and their Internet searches and the police always find them. So I assume this is not the case for civil cases? |
It would be unethical for a lawyer to do it. But is it that different than, say, just only ever communicating by Signal so that no one can ever catch you doing anything, lol? I think it’s wrong to do it after someone files suit against you or you file your own. Or, like, after you murder someone obvs. But if there is no suit, there may not be anything saying you can’t erase your embarrassing convos. Or is there? |
Just stop. It’s evidence spoliation and highly unethical. This is why you subpoena more than one person for communications so you can see if the communications line up, or if someone tried to expunge info. That’s why the little shills on the TS subreddits are so dumb and annoying bc they’re complaining ‘why do they need to subpoena TS when they can get her texts from Blake!!’ Let’s move on |
I think PP is asking if it's actually illegal, no if it's ethical. |
Right. If there is already a suit filed and there is a hold order placed to preserve communications, it would be illegal to delete messages or to ask friends to do the same. But if no lawsuit has been filed and there is no hold order, is there any law that says you can’t delete texts etc? Doing so could show later you were trying to cover your tracks, and could be used to imply guilt (eg, law and order, dun dun). But is deleting texts at that point actually illegal? Asking for a friend lol |
These are civil cases. Legal is not the issue. No, there’s not a ‘law’ |
It is perfectly legal to delete your own text messages unless you are specifically obligated to preserve them for a legal purpose. |
I agree. We wouldn’t be here without the lawyers. Without Blake’s lawyers, there would’ve been a properly filed SH complaint and investigation instead of that ridiculous 17 point document wayfarer was told they had no choice but to sign or Blake would walk. Without the lawyers there would’ve been no NYT article because there would’ve been no sham subpoena. Now I think Blake is probably stuck with a lawsuit she didn’t bargain for and can’t afford. People keep saying settle but Blake is losing here and I’m guessing they can’t really afford to settle. RR is rich but he doesn’t have Sarowitz money and I’m sure a lot of his money is tied up in businesses and investments. I think they’ll take this thing to trial b/c they quite literally can’t afford not to. They’ll take their chances with the jury and if they lose, they’ll appeal the judgment. This thing will be tied up in litigation for years. |
I am someone who thinks she should settle. This litigation’s legal fees will easily run into the multi 7 figures if this goes to trial, and then she’ll risk a jury decision. Juries can be convinced to give insane awards, and she is extremely unlikeable, and Baldoni and team can point to tons of emotional harm/damages. I don’t think she should offer 400m or anything, but I think a good faith offer in the low 7 figures could get it done and she’d be able to put this behind her. Sort of. |