Justin Baldoni, the director and actor of "It Ends With Us," has filed a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times for defamation. The newspaper published an article that alleged misconduct by Baldoni, including sexual harassment claims made by co-star Blake Lively. Baldoni argues that the report misrepresented text messages and other communications, stripping them of context. This legal action is part of a broader lawsuit involving multiple plaintiffs who claim the Times distorted facts and violated privacy. Meanwhile, Lively has also sued Baldoni in New York federal court, accusing him of orchestrating a smear campaign and retaliating against her after she reported inappropriate behavior on set.

Baldoni Challenges Media Narrative

The director and producer Justin Baldoni has taken legal action against the New York Times, contesting allegations that were published in a high-profile article. He contends that the piece misinterpreted private communications and presented them out of context, leading to damaging public perception. Baldoni's lawsuit accuses the Times of libel and invasion of privacy, emphasizing that the article relied heavily on unverified statements from Lively without providing a balanced view. Baldoni and his team argue that the Times' portrayal was not only inaccurate but also harmful to their professional reputations.

According to Baldoni's legal filing, the New York Times selectively quoted and altered messages to fit a narrative that painted him in a negative light. For instance, a casual exchange about rehearsing lines was depicted as inappropriate behavior. The lawsuit highlights how the Times ignored contradictory evidence and failed to present a fair account of events. Baldoni asserts that this approach undermined journalistic integrity and caused significant harm to his reputation. He seeks substantial damages to address the damage done by the publication's actions.

Lively's Legal Battle Against Alleged Retaliation

Blake Lively, the acclaimed actress, has initiated legal proceedings against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Her lawsuit claims that Baldoni and his associates orchestrated a campaign to undermine her credibility after she raised concerns about inappropriate behavior during filming. Lively accuses Baldoni of pressuring her into performing acts not included in the script and discussing personal matters inappropriately. She maintains that these actions created a hostile work environment and compromised her professional standing.

In her complaint, Lively details instances where Baldoni allegedly pushed for graphic scenes without her consent and discussed sensitive topics related to intimacy. She describes feeling pressured to simulate nudity and perform scenes that were not originally scripted. Additionally, Lively alleges that Baldoni shared personal information about his own relationships, which made her uncomfortable. The lawsuit further claims that Baldoni and his team retaliated against her for speaking out, leading to a tense and difficult working relationship. Lively seeks justice through legal means, aiming to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.