Justin Baldoni Takes Legal Action
Justin Baldoni is fighting back. The “Jane the Virgin” star has filed a staggering $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times. At the heart of the drama? A scathing article about his “It Ends With Us” co-star, Blake Lively, and her sexual harassment allegations.
The Lawsuit Details
Baldoni’s legal team dropped the bombshell filing in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday. The lawsuit, a massive 87-page document, accuses the newspaper of “libel and false light invasion of privacy.” It names 10 plaintiffs, including Baldoni’s publicists Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, as well as producers Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath. They’re calling out the Times for allegedly twisting facts, cherry-picking communications, and painting a false narrative.
The New York Times Article
The explosive New York Times article, published on Dec. 21, was titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.” Baldoni and his team claim it’s riddled with inaccuracies. The lawsuit accuses the outlet of “promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract.” It blasts the paper for relying on Lively’s “unverified and self-serving narrative” while ignoring evidence that allegedly refutes her claims.
Blake Lively’s Response
One shocking allegation? Lively, 37, filed a complaint—not a lawsuit—against Baldoni on Dec. 21. His filing says this move helped her avoid the scrutiny of the discovery process, which would have required her to answer questions under oath and share her communications. The lawsuit calls this decision deliberate and calculated.
Counter Legal Action
But Lively isn’t staying quiet. On the same day Baldoni filed his lawsuit, the “Gossip Girl” alum hit back with her own legal action. She accused Baldoni of causing her emotional distress and claimed his behavior on the set of “It Ends With Us” was inappropriate.
Allegations From Lively
In her complaint, Lively alleges a troubling on-set meeting. Present at the meeting, she claims, were her husband Ryan Reynolds and others. Baldoni, she says, was warned to stop discussing his porn addiction, sharing explicit images, and commenting on her weight, her late father, and the cast’s personal lives. She also accuses him of trying to add sex scenes to the movie unnecessarily.
Claims of a Smear Campaign
As if that wasn’t enough, Lively’s complaint includes claims of a smear campaign. She alleges Baldoni orchestrated a plan to ruin her reputation.
Background of the Drama
The drama stems from their time working on the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. The film, centered on domestic violence, was shot from 2023 to early 2024. Despite the dark themes of the story, the off-screen tension seems even darker.
Baldoni’s Defense
Baldoni’s team is not holding back. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, slammed Lively’s accusations as “serious and categorically false.” He also pointed a finger at Lively’s alleged “multiple demands and threats” on set. According to Freedman, she threatened not to return to work or promote the film unless her demands were met. Baldoni even had to hire a crisis manager, Freedman claims, to handle the escalating situation.
The New York Times Responds
Meanwhile, the New York Times is standing firm. In a statement to Page Six, the outlet defended its reporting, calling the story “meticulously and responsibly reported.” The paper said it reviewed thousands of pages of documents, including text messages and emails, and quoted them accurately. They claim Baldoni’s team hasn’t pointed out a single error in the story.
The Paper’s Statement
The Times’ statement read, “The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead. We published their full statement in response to the allegations in the article as well. We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit.”
Lively Speaks Out
The legal battle is heating up. Earlier this month, Lively told the Times she hoped her actions would protect others from retaliation when speaking out about misconduct. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up,” she said.
A Hollywood Scandal
The allegations have sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Baldoni, 40, has built a reputation as an actor and director committed to tackling social issues. This scandal, however, threatens to overshadow his career.
On-Set Safety Measures
Intimacy coordinators were reportedly brought on set to ensure safety during filming. Despite these precautions, the behind-the-scenes drama continues to escalate. Baldoni’s camp insists that the allegations are not only false but also an attempt to tarnish his name publicly.
Bold Claims
Freedman described the accusations as “outrageous and intentionally salacious.” He argues that Lively’s claims are designed to perpetuate a false narrative.
What’s Next?
This isn’t the first time Hollywood stars have clashed over behind-the-scenes behavior. But a $250 million lawsuit? That’s a new level of legal warfare. Baldoni’s case could set a precedent for how stars and media outlets handle sensitive allegations moving forward.
The Battle Continues
What’s next for these former co-stars? Lively’s lawsuit will likely be scrutinized as closely as Baldoni’s. With both sides digging in their heels, the fight is far from over. The New York Times’ role in the saga also adds a layer of complexity. Their reporting is under the microscope, and their defense will be watched closely by media and legal experts alike.
The Fallout
The fallout from this drama is already evident. Fans are taking sides, social media is ablaze, and Hollywood insiders are bracing for more revelations. Baldoni’s $250 million lawsuit isn’t just about clearing his name. It’s about fighting back against what he calls a deeply flawed and biased narrative.
Conclusion
Stay tuned as the story unfolds. This legal showdown is shaping up to be one of the biggest Hollywood scandals in recent memory.
