ABC News - Attorney weighs in on the Blake Lively Hollywood lawsuits
The scandal centers around allegations made by actress Blake Lively against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. Lively's 80-page complaint details inappropriate behavior, including showing explicit videos and making derogatory comments about her body. In response, Baldoni's former publicist, Stephanie Jones, has filed a lawsuit against him and others, alleging they conspired to protect Baldoni by undermining Lively. The legal battle has drawn in Hollywood figures, with some supporting Lively publicly. The situation is complicated by the involvement of confidential information, which Jones allegedly provided to Lively's team under a subpoena. Legal experts suggest the case may settle before reaching trial, as the messages obtained could be damaging if presented in court. The lawsuits highlight issues of smear campaigns and retaliation in Hollywood, with legal implications for defamation and harassment claims.
Key Points:
- Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign.
- Stephanie Jones, Baldoni's former publicist, sues him and others for conspiracy.
- Confidential information was allegedly shared with Lively's team via subpoena.
- Legal experts predict the case may settle before trial due to damaging evidence.
- The lawsuits underscore issues of retaliation and smear campaigns in Hollywood.
Details:
1. 🎬 Hollywood Scandal Unfolds
- Justin Balon, director and co-star of 'It Ends With Us,' is being sued for defamation and breach of contract by co-star Blake Lively.
- Lively accuses Balon of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her, which has sparked widespread attention.
- Balon denies all allegations, claiming they are unfounded and part of a personal vendetta.
- The scandal has drawn reactions from Hollywood A-listers, with some expressing support for Lively and others calling for a fair investigation.
- The lawsuit highlights ongoing issues of harassment and power dynamics in Hollywood, prompting discussions on industry reforms.
2. 📜 Allegations, Lawsuits, and Reactions
2.1. Allegations and Lawsuits
2.2. Public Reactions
3. ⚖️ Legal Maneuvering and Insights
- A new lawsuit has been added to the mass of lawsuits involving Andrew, with the attorney for Baloni and the crisis PR team accused of trying to bury Blake Lively.
- The lawsuit alleges that confidential information was used against them, with threats of suing anyone involved 'into Oblivion'.
- Stephanie Jones, a publicist, has filed a preemptive lawsuit alleging breach of contract, aiming to get ahead of the story.
- Jones is notably the only person not sued by Blake Lively, suggesting her involvement in transferring damaging messages to Lively's team.
- The legal battle involves significant infighting and maneuvering, with Jones now suing those also sued by Lively.
- A key question remains on how Lively's team obtained the text message exchanges, with suspicions pointing towards Stephanie Jones.