

Gavel Gavel
Thomas Smith
Gavel Gavel is the podcast that takes you inside the courtroom! Comedian Thomas Smith asks questions and cracks jokes while real legal experts with actual trial experience provide unique analysis.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 23, 2025 • 1h 2min
Lively v. Baldoni 15 - Blake Livelys Hate This One Weird Trick to Double Your Evidence by Repeating It
GG15 - Part 15 of LvB is Part 5 of Wayfarer et al v The New York Times We've made it through...the INTRODUCTION! There's plenty more to dig into, and this episode focuses on the behavior during post-production between the parties. Complete with more screenshots! Some are even legible! This is the complaint we're working from if you want to follow along. Support the show, get rid of ads, and get bonus stuff over on patreon.com/gavelpod! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.

6 snips
May 23, 2025 • 53min
Lively v. Baldoni 14 - It’s Not Retaliation If You Wait a Little While Until You Do It, Right?
The discussion dives into the intricate legal battles surrounding a harassment case, analyzing the complexities of Baldoni's claims against Lively. The hosts tackle sensationalized allegations from a New York Times article, emphasizing ethical dilemmas in creative environments. They explore the importance of privacy and consent, particularly regarding uncomfortable comments within the industry. Controversies around workplace dynamics and retaliation claims spark debate over power struggles in Hollywood, culminating in a critical look at the absurdities of a defamation complaint.

7 snips
May 22, 2025 • 54min
Lively v. Baldoni 13 - He Said That She Said That She Said She Was Sexually Assaulted
Dive into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood tabloids as the hosts dissect internal PR strategies tied to serious allegations. They unpack the complexities of reporter's privilege and the challenges of truth in media narratives surrounding sexual assault. The conversation reveals the intricacies of managing reputations during controversies, showcasing contradictory internal communications from a celebrity's team. With humor and critique, they scrutinize a flawed legal complaint, exposing baseless claims and manipulations that shape public perception.

10 snips
May 22, 2025 • 57min
Lively v. Baldoni 12 - The Emoji Heard Round the World
This installment dives into the notorious emoji that sparked a whirlwind of media attention. The hosts dissect the implications of a missing upside-down smiley face in a New York Times article, exploring how digital communication can twist perceptions. The lively banter touches on Hollywood drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, looking at the nuances of text exchanges and public relations. Additionally, they reflect on gender roles in film promotion, revealing how societal perceptions shape narratives, all intertwined with humor and audience interaction.

9 snips
May 21, 2025 • 58min
Lively v. Baldoni 11 - "But the Times Did Not Care"
A deep dive into the legal battle against the New York Times reveals complex defamation challenges faced by plaintiffs from Wayfair. The discussion critiques journalistic integrity, especially regarding a controversial article's timing. Media manipulation and the role of celebrity allegations are explored, exposing how narratives shift in the public eye. The hosts analyze communication intricacies while hinting at the dramatic legal narratives to come, keeping listeners eagerly awaiting emoji revelations.

Mar 31, 2025 • 40min
Lively v. Baldoni 10 - Lawyer MJ Morley Breaks Down the Law in Jones v. Abel, Part 2
MJ Morley, a legal expert in New York employment law, dives into the intricacies of the Jones v. Abel lawsuit. She sheds light on breach of contract issues and the complexities of proving employee disloyalty under the 'faithless servant' doctrine. Morley also discusses the challenges of anonymous internet harassment and defamation claims in the PR industry, particularly concerning evidence tampering. The conversation wraps up with insights on the likelihood of settlement and the emotional toll of navigating the legal landscape.

12 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 49min
Lively v. Baldoni 9 - Lawyer MJ Morley Breaks Down the Law in Jones v. Abel
MJ Morley, a New York-based employment lawyer, dives deep into the intricate lawsuit of Jones v. Abel. She shares her unique insights on the cultural ramifications of the case and the public's mixed reactions. Morley sheds light on the challenges of navigating legal proceedings, especially around non-compete agreements in employment. The discussion also touches on the implications of moving cases from state to federal court, and the complexities of tortious interference, making legal concepts accessible for a wider audience.

12 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Lively v. Baldoni 8 - Jonesin' for Breach of Contract Damages
Delve into the legal battles surrounding the Stephanie Jones case, where manipulation and reputation are under fierce scrutiny. Experience the dynamics of workplace betrayal, gender biases, and the quest for validation. Explore the tangled web of media narratives and the ethical dilemmas posed by contract breaches. Discover the impact of crisis PR and allegations of misconduct in high-stakes environments. This engaging dialogue unveils the complexities of professional relationships amid escalating tensions and evolving legal intricacies.

Mar 21, 2025 • 53min
Lively v. Baldoni 7 - Who’s Afraid of Stephanie Jones? Well, Abel et al. Probably Should Be...
Dive into a web of legal intrigue involving a high-profile PR dispute that spiraled into a breach of contract lawsuit. The tension between Jennifer Abel and Stephanie Jones unpacks deep emotions and strategic power plays. Explore the controversial fallout from Abel's social media actions and the implications for workplace ethics and culture. With insights into employment agreements and reputation management, this episode sheds light on the hidden dramas of the entertainment industry and its intricate legal landscape.

10 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 17min
Lively v. Baldoni 6 - Crisis PR Firms Are Literal Satan
This begins a chunk of episodes on Jones v Abel. But you know us, we first need to lay a lot of foundation. After Blake Lively's CRD complaint and the story in the New York Times became public, folks spoke out in support of Lively, and expressed shock at the alleged actions of Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer team. We detail the fallout in timeline order, and discuss the repercussions of Jennifer Abel's text behavior for the Public Relations industry; and, in one of the many parallels between this saga and ours, we break down our own experiences with a crisis PR firm and the absolute hollowness of a statement like "I'm sticking with my client." Support the show, get rid of ads, and get bonus stuff over on patreon.com/gavelpod!