Justin Baldoni’s legal battle has taken a new turn as his lawyer, Bryan Freedman, called out Ryan Reynolds. This follows The Proposal star’s attempt to have Baldoni’s defamation case against him dismissed. Freedman argues that Reynolds played a crucial role in the controversy and should be held accountable.
Here are more details about the update.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyer calls Ryan Reynolds, ‘Key Player’
Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has strongly opposed Ryan Reynolds’ attempt to remove himself from a $400 million lawsuit filed by Baldoni. Freedman argued, “Mr. Reynolds was a key player in the scheme. After lighting a match, Mr. Reynolds now seeks to run from the flames. It won’t work. The Wayfarer Parties’ claims against him are real, and they are serious.”
According to Freedman, Reynolds is attempting to downplay his involvement despite his direct connection to the allegations. He claimed that Reynolds’ role extends beyond merely supporting his wife, Blake Lively, and that his actions have contributed to what Freedman called a “smear campaign” against Baldoni and his Wayfarer team. He further stated that Reynolds is trying to escape accountability now that the situation has escalated. Freedman said, “Mr. Reynolds can appear on as many sketch shows as he wants and feebly try to make light of his current situation, but we will not stop until he is held accountable for his actions.” (via Page Six)
Reynolds’ legal team has pushed back against these claims. His attorneys, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, filed a motion asserting that Baldoni’s defamation allegations lack legal merit. They further suggested that Baldoni’s case is seemingly centered around his claims that Reynolds called him a “predator.” They added, “That is not defamation unless they can show that Mr. Reynolds did not believe that statement to be true.” They also argued that Reynolds was simply expressing his opinion, which is protected under the First Amendment. The defense further asserted that as per Reynolds’ motion, Baldoni himself had previously acknowledged his own history of inappropriate behavior.
