Blake Lively has filed a second lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, intensifying their legal battle.
This comes shortly after Baldoni sued The New York Times for $250 million over allegations of libel and privacy invasion.
Lively’s Lawsuit Against Baldoni
The latest complaint, filed in federal court in New York on December 31, accuses Baldoni of retaliation and harassment.
Lively alleges the actions caused her severe emotional distress, loss of wages, and reputational harm. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial.
This follows her initial complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Commission, which accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and workplace safety violations.
Her legal team claims further retaliation occurred after she spoke out, prompting the new federal filing.
Baldoni’s $250 Million Lawsuit Against The New York Times
Baldoni, along with several others, filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging that the publication misrepresented facts by publishing cherry-picked and manipulated information from text messages and emails.
His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, criticized the newspaper for prioritizing a “PR narrative” over journalistic integrity.
In response, a spokesperson for The New York Times defended the article, stating it was meticulously reported and based on thousands of original documents. The newspaper plans to vigorously contest the lawsuit.
Statements from Both Sides
Lively’s attorneys argue that her federal complaint disproves claims that her actions were a PR tactic.
They emphasized that the allegations against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios are serious and will be addressed in court.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s legal team and The New York Times continue to stand by their respective positions.
The ongoing lawsuits highlight a complex and escalating legal dispute, with both parties preparing for prolonged court battles.
