A federal judge has ordered Jamey Heath, producer of It Ends With Us, to turn over all footage of his wife Natasha’s childbirth in Blake Lively’s ongoing lawsuit. Blake Lively’s request to block Heath from offering evidence or testimony about the video was denied. The ruling follows a prior discovery order and confirms that the video “should have been produced,” though it will remain sealed under a protective order. Heath must also cover Lively’s attorneys’ fees related to the motion.
Court Orders Compliance
United States District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled on November 17 that Heath must provide all childbirth footage, stating that it “would tend to support Lively’s claim.” The judge noted that Heath misread the previous discovery order but determined this was not willful defiance. Blake Lively, 38, had argued that only a short excerpt of the video had been released, which she claimed did not match what was shown on the It Ends With Us set. The case centers on Lively’s allegations that Heath showed her and her assistant a fully nude video of Natasha giving birth without warning.
Quotes and Reactions
Judge Liman wrote, “Sanctions are not warranted here,” while emphasizing that Heath must comply with the discovery order by November 20. Lively’s legal team highlighted that the additional footage could confirm discrepancies in Heath’s prior claims. In response, Heath and Wayfarer parties maintain that Lively saw only the opening frame of what they describe as a “beautiful” home-birth video shared with Natasha’s consent. Director Justin Baldoni’s legal team called Lively’s characterization of the footage as porn “deplorable.”
Legal and Case Implications
The ruling could have significant implications for the $160 million lawsuit Lively filed against Heath and Baldoni, potentially bolstering her claims of “disturbing” and “unprofessional” conduct on set. The decision also emphasizes judicial enforcement of discovery orders in high-profile cases, ensuring that evidence is fully disclosed prior to trial. Heath’s compliance will affect pre-trial preparations and may influence negotiations or settlement discussions.
Trial and Video Submission
The trial is scheduled for March 2026, and Heath must provide the full video by November 20 under the protective order. Baldoni and co-defendants previously requested a ruling in their favor without trial; that decision is still pending. The video’s release could play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative for the upcoming court proceedings.
