Blake Lively Changes Publicists Following Resolution of High-Profile Legal Battle
Blake Lively has shifted representation to power publicist Kelly Bush Novak and her firm ID-PR after ending an 18-month legal dispute with It Ends with Us director Justin Baldoni. The move marks a departure from longtime publicist Leslie Sloane, with whom she worked for over two decades. Lively's new representation aims to redirect focus toward her acting career and production work following the settlement.
Blake Lively has transitioned her public relations representation to Kelly Bush Novak's firm ID-PR, marking the end of a 20-plus-year professional relationship with Leslie Sloane. This decision follows the resolution of protracted litigation between Lively and director Justin Baldoni regarding allegations of on-set harassment during the filming of It Ends with Us. Baldoni's subsequent defamation counterclaim named Sloane as a defendant, which may have influenced Lively's choice to seek new representation.
Novak's agency represents numerous high-profile entertainers and creatives across film, music, and sports. The strategic shift suggests Lively intends to redirect public attention toward her acting and production endeavors. Having recently completed Another Simple Favor, she continues her partnership with talent agency WME and production company Entertainment 360 while retaining her legal counsel.
This representation change reflects broader dynamics in celebrity crisis management and reputation rehabilitation. The transition could signal how public figures navigate prolonged legal disputes and their aftermath, potentially influencing media narrative and public perception. Industry observers may study the effectiveness of fresh representation in reshaping career focus following high-stakes controversies. The move demonstrates the interconnected roles publicists play in legal disputes and demonstrates potential consequences for long-standing professional relationships when litigation emerges.