ABC News - ‘It Ends with Us’ co-stars Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni file dueling lawsuits
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are embroiled in lawsuits against each other and the New York Times. Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and claims he orchestrated a smear campaign against her. Baldoni, in turn, is suing the New York Times for $250 million, alleging the paper published a biased article that favored Lively's narrative. The article is accused of relying on selective and altered communications. Lively's lawsuit includes allegations of Baldoni entering her trailer uninvited and improvising intimate scenes without an intimacy coordinator. Baldoni counters these claims, stating Lively invited him and refused to meet with the coordinator. The New York Times stands by its reporting, and both parties are preparing to present their cases in court.
Key Points:
- Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign.
- Baldoni sues the New York Times for $250 million, alleging biased reporting.
- Lively claims Baldoni entered her trailer uninvited; Baldoni disputes this.
- The New York Times defends its article, claiming it was responsibly reported.
- Both lawsuits will be contested in court, with public opinion already forming.
Details:
1. 🎬 Hollywood Showdown: Lively vs. Baldoni
- Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are both involved in new legal actions as the year begins.
- Justin Baldoni is suing the New York Times, claiming the publication is biased by only presenting Blake Lively's perspective.
- Blake Lively is filing a federal lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and initiating a smear campaign against her.
- The lawsuit details that Lively alleges Baldoni's actions have affected her personal and professional life, causing distress and reputational damage.
- Baldoni's lawsuit against the New York Times accuses it of defamation, seeking retraction and damages for perceived bias and misrepresentation.
- Both parties have released public statements, with Lively emphasizing her commitment to addressing workplace harassment and Baldoni defending his reputation against what he calls unfounded accusations.
2. 📰 Defamation Drama: Baldoni vs. NY Times
- Justin Baldoni and others are suing the New York Times for $250 million, alleging libel, fraud, and false light invasion of privacy.
- The lawsuit is in response to an article titled 'We Can Bury Anyone Inside a Hollywood Smear.'
- The plaintiffs claim that the article damaged their reputations and caused significant personal and professional harm.
- The case highlights the tension between journalistic freedom and personal rights, raising questions about the limits of media influence.
- This lawsuit could set a precedent for future defamation cases involving high-profile individuals and major news outlets.
3. ⚖️ Lively's Legal Leap: Federal Lawsuit Details
- Lively's federal lawsuit against Baldoni, his film studio Wayfarer, and his PR team centers on allegations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign, marking an expansion from previous California state-level allegations.
- The lawsuit accuses the defendants of cherry-picking and altering communications, suggesting manipulation of information to damage Lively's reputation.
- This legal action reflects strategic efforts to bring the case to a federal level, potentially broadening its impact and jurisdictional reach.
- The lawsuit underscores potential legal implications for both parties, including reputational damage and financial liabilities, highlighting the seriousness of the claims.
4. 🎥 On-Set Allegations and Denials
- Lively's lawsuit accuses Baldoni of entering her trailer without permission, including during breastfeeding times, while Baldoni claims he had received an invitation through a text message from Lively.
- There are allegations that Baldoni improvised intimate scenes without an intimacy coordinator. In response, Baldoni asserts that Lively's refusal to engage with the coordinator compelled him to communicate suggestions separately.
- Baldoni accuses Lively of fabricating sexual harassment claims to gain control over production decisions.
- The lawsuit critiques media outlets for disproportionately relying on Lively's account and neglecting evidence that contradicts her narrative.
5. 🏛️ Battle in Court and Public Opinion
- New York is committed to defending against the lawsuit, highlighting the detailed reporting of their story as a key defense strategy.
- The case is framed as a he said/she said, with the jury set to determine the truth and any damage to reputations, showcasing the pivotal role of the jury in such legal disputes.
- Lively's legal team maintains that the lawsuits do not affect their civil rights and federal complaints, indicating a complex legal strategy across multiple fronts.
- The legal proceedings are taking place in both California and New York, with significant attention also in the court of public opinion, reflecting the case's broad impact across different arenas.
- Public opinion is being shaped by media coverage and the narratives presented by both sides, emphasizing the importance of communication strategies outside the courtroom.
- Background information on the origins of the lawsuits reveals the intricate nature of the legal battle and its implications for both parties involved.