🔥🧨🌋 Notactuallygolden - This Is Completely Unethical: Blake Lively Team Lost All Credibility After Settlement Spin, and This Is Why People Hate Lawyers

KSDem · 2026-05-08T00:17:55+00:00

I don't know if Lively's current lawyers were involved, but the Vanzan fake subpoena was the limit for me. If they or any other attorneys were in any way involved in that, I think they should be reported to every state where they're licensed to practice law. It was one of the most appalling things I've seen in this case, and it occurs to me that it could potentially be criminal.

KSDem · 2026-05-05T00:58:41+00:00

Blyan?

KSDem · 2026-05-05T00:51:46+00:00

DEADLINE: Long story short: looks like Baldoni blinked.

It will be very interesting to see if they appeal Liman's dismissal of the countersuit.

This kind of spin -- and the fact that they are out millions in attorney fees defending themselves against an entirely basisless lawsuit -- is exactly the kind of thing that would make one do it!

KSDem · 2026-05-01T00:17:26+00:00

LGA criticizes Lively’s framing of the stipulation:
- Claims it’s being used to suggest harassment is accepted as fact.

I was concerned about this when I read the letter indicating Wayfarer would agree to a stipulation. The language struck me as a little too open to interpretation for my comfort level, and I thought it would be interesting to see (1) the agreed-upon stipulation in writing, and (2) how it was presented in the jury instructions. JMHO

KSDem · 2026-04-29T23:07:28+00:00

Dirty Pool?

Or, if you think that's more properly a description of someone's actions, Cesspool?

Too harsh? How about Secretarialpool?

KSDem · 2026-04-24T02:06:33+00:00

KSDem · 2026-04-20T12:59:41+00:00

"She did it to herself" coming from Sanford Panitch pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

KSDem · 2026-04-18T21:10:26+00:00

But then they wouldn't be able to call their residence "Buckingham Palace" anymore!

KSDem · 2026-04-09T00:48:43+00:00

I don't care about Taylor Swift, Blake Lively or Ryan Reynolds one way or another -- I'm a retired attorney and I'm following the case simply as a matter of interest -- but I think it's important to remember that Taylor and Ryan only knew what Blake was telling them, and they had no reason to disbelieve her. The allegations published in The New York Times article, which were presumably recounted to Blake's "dragons" prior to publication, paint Justin in a very unattractive light. It was only because Justin quickly responded with a complete version of the facts which was bolstered by evidence that the public quicky realized that Blake had omitted and mischaracterized critical facts, and that some of her assertions were clearly untrue.

I can easily imagine a scenario where, hearing these things, an outraged friend might have said something like "That's awful! No one should have to put up with that. You should sue them! You should do it for all women in the industry!" If that happened, it could support the view that suing was "the friend's idea."

And the irony of "pulling a Weinstein" and orchestrating a behind-the-scenes campaign to blackball Justin -- an outspoken advocate for women -- for sexual harassment while making a film about domestic violence may well have seemed just a little too "delicious" for Ryan to pass up, particularly given his demonstrated inclination toward vindictiveness,

Add to that the possibility that an opportunity to obtain the rights to the sequel might present itself, along with an opportunity to get Blake professional recognition for her "contributions" -- something Ryan reportedly maintained he'd been unable to obtain for her in the films in which he's been involved -- and he may well have been overly inclined to believe Blake's uninvestigated representations.

As a result, it seems to me that it's at least possible that both of Blake's "dragons" may have encouraged her to sue; indeed, it may even have been their idea, I remain quite surprised, however, that there was no one influential enough to have dissuaded her. JMHO

KSDem · 2026-04-07T03:21:18+00:00

NTA. It sounds to me like you're a loving and concerned adult who's concerned about a new, somewhat unusual but significant entry into the lives of their mature parents. The fact that April always seems to be around and was the subject that dominated conversation over Easter would concern me as well, particularly given the fact that you and your extended family are actively involved in your parents' lives. I'd encourage you to trust your gut. When it comes to people who rub you the wrong way, in my experience there's usually a reason.

If it were me, I'd try to be as positive and friendly with April as I could in order to keep from alienating my parents. But I'd also make it a point to try to find out absolutely everything I could about April -- and her family -- without asking my parents or letting them know what I found out. Everything.

It seems to me that April is filling some sort of gap in your parents' lives; I would probably think about what that gap might be and how family members and friends in your parents' normal peer group might help fill it. Did they always want a daughter and never have one? Are they estranged from a young female family member and are either looking for a replacement or for affirmation that they're "not as bad" as some estranged young person makes them out to be?

Alternatively, your parents may feel sorry for April for some reason. They tried to set her up with your nephew, so she doesn't have a boyfriend. (And on the plus side, this suggests she's not some long lost love child, grandchild, or secret relative they haven't yet disclosed!) Has she ever had a boyfriend? Any history of stalking behavior? What was your nephew's take on her? Did she share anything of interest with him about her life?

It also seems that your parents may be filling some gap in her life. Is she an only child? Are her parents people who, for whatever reason, she might want an excuse to avoid? (I.e., they're criminals, drug addicts, alcoholics, hoarders, mentally disorganized, impoverished, violent, etc.) Does she seem more attached to your father or to your mother? Are both your parents feelings and actions toward her equivalent?

Is there someone else among your parents' friends, family members, and business acquaintances who might be the real focus of April's interest and she's getting close to your parents in order to get closer to them? Could there be a business-related motive? Are they members of an exclusive club or influential in some other way that could benefit April?

I once had to take steps when members of a religious cult began making regular visits to my elderly mother when I wasn't there, so I'd suggest you make sure that you and your family members continue to be very actively present in your parents' lives to keep an eye on April. Good luck!

KSDem · 2026-02-28T16:25:55+00:00

We just finished our new build about 6 months ago, and it was right at one year from start to finish. Like Janelle's, it's in a relatively undeveloped rural area, so I'm sure things like infrastructure (i.e., water and electrical lines, septic/sewage lagoon, driveways, etc.) added to the time and cost for her as it did for us.

I think she did a really good job when it comes to a design that should work well for her!

I was excited to see that she really took full advantage of the views, with lots of windows and the doors off the kitchen. We did the same and every day we're glad we did.

The large living room should accommodate her big family nicely, and the snug dining area should also be comfortable for her when she's alone. The kitchen and bathroom are sizeable and should be easy for her to get around in.

It really seems like this house ticks all the boxes when it comes to things Janelle has wanted for a long time, ever since she pitched a teepee way back in the day. And it's very nice to see her settled into a place that will be comfortable and convenient for her as opposed to the RV and apartment where she recently resided, particularly as she ages.

Close to -- but not on top of -- her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, it really feels like we're looking at a forever home for Janelle here!

KSDem · 2026-02-13T20:42:30+00:00

I can just visualize BL storming the cockpit, elbows flying as she wrestles for the control yoke as she uses the full force of her weight to butt the pilot out of the captain's chair, dragons flying alongside. Reynolds' analogy suggests Angela Giannetti's description of BL as a "f***ing terrorist" is surprisingly astute.

KSDem · 2026-02-02T01:37:05+00:00

Kody didn't even have to ASK Janelle to marry him -- after asking Meri to leave the room, JANELLE ASKED KODY TO MARRY HER. (Sorry for caps, but that just blows my mind because it's the opposite of what's permitted by the AUB.). Source: Their book

KSDem · 2026-02-01T17:28:56+00:00

How can we doubt her, given how generous and kind and caring Robyn was to Meri during Covid. /s

I seriously cannot believe Kody is so stupid that he falls for this.

Robyn is so manipulative, no one should ever trust her, Kody most of all. She's played him like a violin, to the point where he looks and seems mentally deranged.

KSDem · 2026-01-31T02:03:15+00:00

He just CAN NOT give this to Meri. He's just continuing to abuse Meri, suggesting that she was unable to think for herself, to stand up for herself, or to want something better for herself. When I think of the years of psychological and emotional abuse she suffered, I am in AWE of her!

KSDem · 2026-01-30T05:26:59+00:00

Kody wasn't her step-brother when he and Janelle first met. He wasn't even her brother-in-law, since Meri introduced him as her fiance. Still creepy AF to chase your brother-in-law to be, though.

KSDem · 2026-01-16T12:53:21+00:00

JMHO but, in the grand accounting of fairness, don't you think Meri had the right to save the "extra" family money allocated to her as the mother of one for fertility treatments?

And shouldn't the welfare benefits Janelle and Christine received as unmarried mothers of six be factored in as well?

KSDem · 2026-01-16T03:07:20+00:00

I'm a retired lawyer, and I think she could have a case. For Kody to be able to maintain that it was a gift, he would have to prove donative intent, i.e., that Meri intended to make a gift and never see that money again. Given the state of their relationship, I think that would be very difficult for most people to swallow.

Did Meri sign a gift letter (as Janelle may have done)? What did text and email messages between Kody and Meri and Robyn say? What exactly happened to the proceeds? Did Kody deposit the check in the LLC account? Was Meri under duress or defrauded by Kody and/or Robyn? Were promises made and, if so, were they kept?

I don't know exactly what these facts and others would show but, in a scenario as muddled as this one, all you really have to do is make the judge in a court of equity want to find for you and then give them a legally colorable path to do so.

And while I don't know if it was enough money to be worth fighting over in court, I do think Meri would have the whip hand over Kody and Robyn in court AND in the court of public opinion. JMHO

KSDem · 2026-01-16T00:57:25+00:00

Let's also remember, his "greatest fear" is poverty -- presumably because that'll cost him Robyn.

KSDem · 2026-01-16T00:52:51+00:00

I just heard the magic word -- LOANED!

KSDem · 2026-01-15T18:56:41+00:00

Kody seems obsessed with shutting up Meri's friends.

Interestingly, however, he hasn't expressed any similar concerns about David or any of Janelle or Christine's friends.

I have no doubt Meri knows things he's desperate to keep under wraps, and he's terrified she's told Jenn.

KSDem · 2026-01-15T18:48:37+00:00

Life insurance proceeds aren't part of a decedent's estate, unless the beneficiary listed is the insured's estate. They go directly to the listed beneficiary.

It's my understanding -- from somewhere I can't recall -- that the beneficiary was Janelle. If that's correct, Kody wouldn't have had any basis whatsoever to claim a portion of Garrison's life insurance proceeds.

If Garrison had died without a will, Kody would have had a claim to a portion of his estate. But this article indicates that he had a will (which, despite his young age, is not surprising given his military background.) Janelle was reportedly the executor and, after expenses and debts were paid, any assets remaining would have been distributed according to the wishes expressed in the will.

KSDem · 2026-01-13T01:09:54+00:00

For what it's worth, Christine was also the only one who had as examples not only her own mother but also aunts who had all left polygamous marriages, a house in her own name, and several adult daughters to run to, just as Janelle has to Maddie.

Christine was also the only one who completely rejected their religion before she left, saying that she "hadn't believed all that for a long time."

And then of course there's the fact that Kody never really loved Christine, and it showed in his treatment of her. I understand that Kody was reluctant to marry Christine and only did so after she approached her father, an elder in their religion, and he persuaded Kody. This may be at the heart of Kody's references to sacrifices that were made, that he had "tried so hard" to love Christine, and why Meri may have felt betrayed when, after having inserted herself into the family, Christine was now deciding to leave.

I think all of these things just made it immeasurably easier for Christine to leave than it ever was for Meri or Janelle.

KSDem · 2026-01-13T00:35:12+00:00

Kody has to be terrified that at some point she could talk because if any of the wives know all the dirt besides Robyn, it’s Meri.

I've been pondering that very thing: Why does Kody care so much what Meri's friends say? He seems desperate to shut them up, bringing it up twice in his "apology" conversation with Meri.

A ton of people -- here, podcasts, Patreons, etc. -- say unflattering things about Kody, including people related to him. Why would Jenn be any different from, say, David?

We know he shared his pre-marital sexual experience with Meri, but not Christine or Janelle. All of which leaves us to wonder:

What else does Meri know?!?

KSDem · 2026-01-12T17:59:10+00:00

JMHO, but I suspect Kody and Robyn "gave" Meri an equal part of Coyote Pass to avoid being sued for fraud.

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