Justin Baldoni has filed a lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, alleging that the Hollywood couple attempted to sabotage his career by hijacking his film, “It Ends With Us.” The lawsuit claims that Lively used her power to seize control of the film directed by Baldoni, leading to a legal battle between the parties.
The complaint, seeking $400 million and a jury trial, was filed in the Southern District of New York on behalf of Baldoni, his Wayfarer Studios company, producing partner Jamey Heath, crisis manager Melissa Nathan, publicist Jennifer Abel, and the It Ends With Us LLC. The lawsuit accuses Lively and Reynolds of civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
The ongoing feud between Lively and Baldoni started with Lively filing a civil rights complaint alleging sexual harassment by Baldoni during the film’s production. In retaliation, Lively was accused of orchestrating a smear campaign against Baldoni to tarnish his reputation.
Baldoni’s lawsuit presents a different perspective, claiming that Lively defamed him and his production company. The legal battle has brought publicists on both sides under scrutiny, with Leslie Sloan, Lively and Reynolds’ publicist, also named as a defendant in the complaint.
The lawsuit sheds light on the inner workings of Hollywood, with allegations of behind-the-scenes manipulation and power dynamics. The film “It Ends With Us,” originally intended to raise awareness about intimate partner violence, has now been overshadowed by the legal dispute between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds.
The lawsuit also accuses Reynolds of assisting his wife in taking over the film and targeting Baldoni’s career. The legal battle has had implications on Baldoni’s professional relationships and public image, affecting his standing in the industry.
Overall, the lawsuit highlights the challenges within the entertainment industry and the power struggles between high-profile individuals. The legal battle between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds is ongoing, with both parties presenting conflicting accounts of the events leading up to the dispute.