Justin Baldoni, the acclaimed director of “It Ends With Us,” has made headlines recently for filing a staggering $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times. This legal battle stems from a controversial story published by the Times involving Baldoni and his co-star, Blake Lively.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, Dec. 31, accuses the New York Times of promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract. Baldoni vehemently refuted the claims made in the Times’ article titled “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine,” which allegedly led to his talent agency, WME, dropping him as a client within hours of its release.
One of the most shocking accusations in the article was that Baldoni repeatedly entered Lively’s makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed, including during moments of breastfeeding. These allegations have sparked a legal battle between the two Hollywood figures.
Blake Lively’s Side of the Story
In response to Baldoni’s lawsuit, Lively filed her own lawsuit earlier this month, claiming she experienced sexual harassment and retaliation during her time working with the director. She alleges that Baldoni subjected her to months of harassment and launched a smear campaign against her when she spoke out.
Accusations and Denials
Baldoni’s lawsuit includes a total of 10 plaintiffs, including high-profile publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, who are suing the Times for libel and false light invasion of privacy. They argue that the article published on Dec. 21 painted a false and damaging picture of Baldoni and Lively’s professional relationship.
In response to these allegations, Lively’s attorney vehemently denied the claims, stating that the lawsuit does not change the nature of Lively’s previous complaints against Baldoni and others involved in the production of “It Ends With Us.”
Legal Battle Unfolds
Attorney Bryan Freedman, representing the plaintiffs, criticized the New York Times for allegedly succumbing to the influence of powerful Hollywood elites and disregarding ethical journalistic practices. The lawsuit aims to hold the publication accountable for what they perceive as biased and misleading reporting.
As this legal drama unfolds, both sides are gearing up for a contentious battle in court. The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond just Baldoni and Lively, shedding light on the complex power dynamics and conflicts that can arise in the entertainment industry.
The Post reached out to the New York Times for their response to these explosive allegations, but the publication has yet to comment on the matter. It remains to be seen how this high-profile lawsuit will impact the careers and reputations of all parties involved.