In a dramatic turn of events, Justin Baldoni has filed a defamation lawsuit against his co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, seeking $400 million in damages. This legal action marks the latest escalation in a contentious feud linked to the film It Ends With Us.
Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds for defamation
Justin Baldoni, who is both an actor and director of the film, alleges that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have contributed to reputational damage and lost future income. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New York, also names publicist Leslie Sloane as a defendant. Baldoni’s claims come shortly after Lively initiated legal proceedings against him and others associated with the film, accusing them of harassment and orchestrating a campaign to undermine her reputation after she spoke out about her experiences on set.
This legal battle intensified on the same day that Baldoni also filed a libel lawsuit against the New York Times. He claimed the publication colluded with Lively to tarnish his image. According to Baldoni’s new lawsuit, the plaintiffs felt compelled to take legal action to respond to Lively’s allegations. they wanted to highlight issues within Hollywood that they believe contradict their professional values.
Notably, both Lively and Reynolds are represented by WME, the same agency that has dropped Baldoni as a client. It was followed by Lively’s initial legal complaint and the Times’s coverage of the ongoing dispute.
Impact on Hollywood
The film is based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. It has sparked significant conversations in Hollywood regarding the treatment of female actors on set and in the media. This legal dispute adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about accountability and the experiences of women. As this situation unfolds, the implications for all parties involved, including broader industry practices, remain to be seen.