Justin Baldoni has launched a staggering $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times following the publication of an article addressing sexual harassment claims made against his “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively. The lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court and details a variety of allegations against the publication.
The legal documents, spanning 87 pages, cite multiple plaintiffs, including Baldoni’s publicists, Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, who assert that the Times engaged in “libel and false light invasion of privacy.” The controversy ignited after the Times released an article titled “We Can Bury Anyone”: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine on December 21, which Baldoni claims misrepresents the facts surrounding the allegations against Lively.
In the complaint, producers Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath are also named, accusing The Times of selectively presenting and modifying communications without the necessary context to inform the reader. The lawsuit argues that the Times relied heavily on Lively’s uncorroborated and self-serving account, ignoring a wealth of evidence that contradicts her claims.
The suit contends that Lively opted to file a sexual harassment complaint against Wayfarer Studios on the same day the article was published rather than pursuing a lawsuit, thereby avoiding the scrutiny that would accompany a more formal legal process, including the potential for being questioned under oath and producing relevant communications.
Furthermore, Lively has also filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress, among other claims. In light of Baldoni’s suit, The Times issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to responsible journalism, asserting that the article was backed by thorough evidence, including thousands of pages of original documents.
Baldoni’s representatives maintain that the claims against him are unfounded, insisting they are categorically false and intended to damage his reputation. Allegations have emerged that Baldoni made Lively uncomfortable during filming, inappropriately discussing personal matters and potentially fat-shaming her regarding her weight in preparation for a scene.
However, Lively’s legal team is prepared to address Baldoni’s claims, dismissing them as grounded in a flawed narrative suggesting that her previous complaints were insincere.
This unfolding drama centers around a film project that delves into themes of domestic violence, highlighting the complexities of workplace dynamics in Hollywood amidst ongoing discussions about accountability and behavior in the industry. As these legal battles ensue, both parties express their determination to defend their positions in court, hoping for a resolution to the turbulent allegations that have captured public attention.
