Blake Lively Parts Ways With Longtime Publicist After Justin Baldoni Legal Battle
The actress cut ties with Leslie Sloane following the extensive and costly litigation.
Blake Lively has parted ways with her publicist of over two decades, Leslie Sloane, following the conclusion of the actress's contentious legal dispute with Justin Baldoni.
Lively, who began working with Sloane when she was rising to fame on "Gossip Girl," hired the publicist more than 20 years ago. Sloane is widely recognized for her role in propelling Lively's career. In 2014, Sloane co-founded her own firm, Vision PR, and continued to represent Lively. The firm has also represented other notable figures in Hollywood, including Katie Holmes, Chris Rock, and Lindsay Lohan.
The separation comes after Lively's extensive legal battle with Baldoni, which involved mutual lawsuits and significant financial costs. In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. Baldoni denied the accusations and subsequently filed a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni's countersuit also named Sloane and Vision PR, alleging they planted negative stories about him. However, a judge dismissed these claims against Sloane, and Baldoni's lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds was later tossed.
Lively's sexual harassment claims were dismissed in April 2026, though her retaliation claim against Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, remained. The legal proceedings between Lively and Baldoni ultimately concluded with a settlement in May 2026, just two weeks before their trial was scheduled to begin.