Justin Baldoni has strengthened his defense team by adding high-profile attorney Alexandra Shapiro, known for handling major cases involving public figures. Shapiro most recently defended Sean “Diddy” Combs in his trial earlier this year, where the hip-hop mogul was convicted on two prostitution-related charges but acquitted of more serious indictments, including sex trafficking and racketeering. She has also represented former FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of fraud and conspiracy.

The It Ends With Us director and actor has been embroiled in a legal war with his co-star Blake Lively since she filed a lawsuit in December accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni has denied the allegations, but his attempt to countersue for defamation and extortion was dismissed by a federal judge earlier this year.

The addition of Shapiro signals Baldoni’s intent to mount a more aggressive legal defense as the case continues to draw significant public attention. With her track record of navigating high-profile and high-stakes cases, Shapiro is expected to play a central role in shaping Baldoni’s courtroom strategy in the months ahead.