In a significant escalation of the ongoing legal battle surrounding the film It Ends With Us, director and actor Justin Baldoni has filed a $400 million lawsuit against co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit, submitted in the Southern District of New York, accuses the couple of civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
Allegations and Counterclaims
Baldoni's complaint alleges that Lively and Reynolds sought to "destroy" his career by hijacking the production of It Ends With Us and making false allegations of sexual harassment. The lawsuit claims that Lively used her influence to seize control of the film and, upon resistance, accused Baldoni of misconduct. Additionally, Reynolds is implicated for allegedly pressuring Baldoni's talent agency, WME, to sever ties with him.
This legal action follows Lively's earlier lawsuit, in which she accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment and retaliating against her for raising concerns about his behavior during production. Lively's complaint included text messages purportedly from Baldoni's team discussing efforts to "bury" her reputation.
Production Disputes
Central to the conflict are creative differences during the film's production. Baldoni's lawsuit asserts that Lively attempted to take over the film's creative direction, including enlisting Reynolds to make unauthorized script changes. The suit describes a meeting at the couple's New York residence, where Reynolds and a "megacelebrity friend" praised Lively's proposed revisions, implying pressure on Baldoni to comply.
Public Relations Battle
The dispute has extended into a public relations battle, with both parties accusing each other of orchestrating smear campaigns. Baldoni's lawsuit contends that Lively and her publicist, Leslie Sloane, disseminated edited and doctored information to the media to defame him. Conversely, Lively's legal team alleges that Baldoni's camp engaged in a coordinated effort to damage her reputation following her harassment claims.
Industry Impact
The controversy has had professional repercussions for Baldoni, including being dropped by his talent agency, WME, which also represents Lively and Reynolds. Despite the film's commercial success, grossing over $350 million globally, the legal disputes have overshadowed its achievements and sparked broader discussions about power dynamics and the treatment of actors in Hollywood.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As the lawsuits proceed, both parties remain entrenched in their positions. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, has emphasized their willingness to provide complete communications to substantiate their claims, stating, "This is a battle she will not win and will certainly regret." Representatives for Lively and Reynolds have yet to publicly respond to the latest lawsuit.
The unfolding legal saga continues to captivate the entertainment industry, highlighting the complexities of professional relationships and the serious implications of public allegations.