NEW YORK — In a legal battle between Hollywood actors, Blake Lively has implored a judge to dismiss a countersuit lodged by her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni. Lively, who filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation, labeled his claims as “vindictive and incoherent.”
In documents submitted to the Manhattan federal court, Lively’s legal team argued that Baldoni and his production company’s assertions of defamation constitute a “gross misuse of the legal system.” Her attorneys highlighted that the legal framework guards against employing defamation claims as tools for retribution against those who have raised concerns about sexual misconduct or retaliation publicly.
The dispute began when Lively sought damages last December, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by Baldoni. In response, Baldoni countersued for a staggering $400 million, accusing Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds of “Deadpool” fame, of engaging in defamation and extortion.
Reynolds’ lawyers have moved to absolve him from the countersuit, arguing that his involvement is solely that of a supportive spouse. They emphasized the emotional, reputational, and financial impact experienced by Lively, adding that Reynolds’ connection to Baldoni’s claims is limited to witnessing the fallout firsthand.
Baldoni’s defense contends that Lively’s and her affiliates’ defamatory actions severely damaged their clients. Court documents claim these actions obliterated their reputations, dismantled their businesses, and resulted in the loss of their film.
Both parties have accused one another of attempting to desecrate their reputations in the entertainment industry.
“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 bestseller, began as a romance before delving into themes of domestic abuse. The film hit theaters in August, surpassing box office expectations with a $50 million opening. However, the film’s release was overshadowed by rumors of discord between Lively and Baldoni.
Blake Lively rose to fame with her role in the 2005 film “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and gained further recognition on the TV series “Gossip Girl.” She subsequently starred in notable films like “The Town” and “The Shallows.”
Justin Baldoni, known for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” directed the 2019 film “Five Feet Apart” and authored “Man Enough,” a book challenging traditional male stereotypes.
