Justin Baldoni has filed a lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, accusing the couple of defamation and civil extortion. The legal battle, which follows a public dispute over their collaboration on the film It Ends With Us, escalated after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment. Baldoni’s lawsuit claims that the couple managed a campaign to damage his reputation with false information.
Here’s why Justin Baldoni sued Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.
Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni has taken legal steps against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation, civil extortion, and privacy invasion. The lawsuit, filed in New York, seeks $400 million in damages and alleges a deliberate effort to damage Baldoni’s reputation during the making of the 2024 film It Ends With Us, which Baldoni directed.
Baldoni’s lawyer said in a statement, “This lawsuit is a legal action based on an overwhelming amount of untampered evidence detailing Blake Lively and her team’s duplicitous attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by disseminating grossly edited, unsubstantiated, new and doctored information to the media.” (via The Guardian)
Tensions initially surfaced when Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of unprofessional behavior and making changes to the film’s script that created an uncomfortable work environment. Baldoni has refuted these claims, stating in his lawsuit that Lively manipulated cast members, including actress Isabela Ferrer, to isolate him and turn public opinion against him.
Baldoni’s legal team claims Lively’s accusations were based on “edited, unsubstantiated,” and misleading evidence. The filing also mentions alleged attempts by Reynolds to “mock” Baldoni, including perceived jabs in Deadpool & Wolverine. Baldoni’s attorney has urged Disney and Marvel to preserve any relevant documents regarding these claims.
The fallout has seen divided reactions, with some collaborators voicing support for Lively. Baldoni’s attorneys have emphasized that the evidence, including text messages and emails, will disprove the accusations and reveal a calculated smear campaign. The statement read, “It is clear based on our own all out willingness to provide all complete text messages, emails, video footage and other documentary evidence that was shared between the parties in real time, that this is a battle she will not win and will certainly regret.”
