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Justin Baldoni Sues Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds for $400 Million in Southern District of New York, Alleging Defamation and Extortion Over 'It Ends With Us'

Jan 16, 2025, 05:06 PM

Justin Baldoni has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, alleging defamation and extortion related to the film 'It Ends With Us.' The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, claims that Lively and Reynolds orchestrated a smear campaign against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment, which he denies. Baldoni's legal action follows Lively's earlier lawsuit against him, where she alleged sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. The dispute has escalated to include claims of civil extortion, false light invasion of privacy, and interference with contractual relations. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated that Lively and her team attempted to destroy Baldoni's reputation and career by disseminating false information to the media. The legal battle also involves allegations of Lively's control over the film's production and marketing, as well as her refusal to read the source material and meet with domestic violence organizations. Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, along with its CEO Jamey Heath, and publicists Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, are also involved in the lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and Vision PR, Inc.