Blake Lively Sues Justin Baldoni in New York for Sexual Harassment, Baldoni Countersues NYT for $250 Million

Jan 1, 2025, 04:45 AM

Blake Lively has filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in the film 'It Ends With Us,' alleging sexual harassment and a coordinated smear campaign against her. The lawsuit also names Wayfarer Studios, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel as defendants. Lively claims that Baldoni's actions caused her severe emotional distress, mental anguish, and lost wages. The legal action follows a complaint Lively filed with the California Civil Rights Department, detailing similar allegations. On the same day, Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs, including Nathan and Abel, filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of libel and false light invasion of privacy over its reporting on Lively's allegations. Baldoni's lawsuit claims that the Times relied on Lively's 'unverified and self-serving narrative' and omitted evidence contradicting her claims. The Times has stated that its story was meticulously reported and plans to defend against the lawsuit.