In a new twist to an already heated legal battle, Justin Baldoni, actor and director, has filed a $400 million lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and Vision PR, Inc. Baldoni alleges that they sought to defame and destroy his reputation as part of a calculated effort during the production of the film It Ends With Us.
The lawsuit claims Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, leading to significant media coverage. However, Baldoni asserts that these allegations were part of a broader strategy to wrest creative control of the film. He also alleges that Lively leveraged her relationships, including her friendship with Taylor Swift, to influence decisions beyond her contractual rights. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has stated the lawsuit includes substantial evidence, such as text messages, emails, and video footage, to support these claims.
Notice to Disney: Preservation of Deadpool vs. Wolverine Paperwork
In a related move, Baldoni’s legal team has issued a formal notice to Disney, requesting the preservation of documents related to the Deadpool vs. Wolverine project. Baldoni claims that key communication and records involving Ryan Reynolds, who stars in the film, may be critical in revealing the extent of efforts to damage his professional standing. This action underscores Baldoni’s commitment to ensuring that no evidence is lost or destroyed as these legal battles unfold.
A Timeline of Events
The controversy began with a New York Times article that reported Blake Lively’s accusations of harassment against Baldoni during the production of It Ends With Us. The story garnered widespread attention and led to public backlash against Baldoni.
In response, Baldoni filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the publication of inaccurate and damaging reporting. The newspaper has defended its coverage, insisting that it adhered to journalistic standards and was based on verified sources.
The current $400 million lawsuit is an extension of Baldoni’s effort to clear his name. It alleges that Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist conspired to tarnish Baldoni’s reputation and career. According to Baldoni, this included coordinated leaks to the media and a public relations campaign designed to undermine his credibility.
As the legal proceedings continue, the stakes remain high for all parties involved. Representatives for Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane have yet to comment publicly on the latest lawsuit. With allegations of defamation, extortion, and media manipulation now at the center of this case, the outcomes could have far-reaching implications for those in the spotlight.
