In a dramatic turn of events, director-actor Justin Baldoni has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, challenging an article that reported on allegations made by his costar Blake Lively. This legal battle has brought to light a series of contentious encounters, including a heated meeting at Lively and Reynolds' apartment, which has left Hollywood buzzing with speculation and controversy.

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The Legal Storm Unfolds

The controversy began when Baldoni’s legal team accused The New York Times of bending to the influence of Hollywood power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. According to Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman, the newspaper "succumbed to the demands of two influential figures in the entertainment industry," resulting in a report that allegedly misrepresented events. Freedman asserts that his client possesses all the necessary communications to substantiate their claims. The New York Times, however, remains steadfast in its defense, stating that their story was meticulously researched and accurately reported. They reviewed thousands of pages of original documents, including text messages and emails, which they quoted extensively in the article. The publication plans to vigorously defend itself against Baldoni’s lawsuit, emphasizing the integrity of their investigative journalism.

A Meeting That Turned Sour

In January 2024, just as filming for "It Ends With Us" was set to resume after a hiatus due to guild strikes, Baldoni and some producers were summoned to meet at Lively and Reynolds' New York City penthouse. What transpired during this meeting has become a focal point of the ongoing dispute. According to Baldoni's complaint, Reynolds launched into a tirade, berating Baldoni in what he described as a "traumatic" encounter. Baldoni alleges that Reynolds demanded an apology for perceived fat-shaming comments directed towards Lively, leading to a confrontation that left him feeling humiliated and traumatized.Baldoni maintains that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. He claims he inquired about Lively's weight out of concern for his back issues and potential injury during a scene where his character lifts hers. However, this query was misinterpreted and escalated into a significant conflict. Lively's lawyers, on the other hand, allege that Baldoni secretly contacted her fitness trainer without permission, implying she needed to lose weight within two weeks—a claim Baldoni denies.

Allegations of Hostile Work Environment

Lively’s legal team contends that Baldoni created a hostile work environment, routinely degrading her through indirect criticisms of her body and weight. They argue that this behavior not only affected Lively but also disrupted the production process. In her complaint, Lively highlights an "all-hands" meeting convened to address these concerns, where she chose to have Reynolds present as her representative. During this meeting, they discussed various issues raised by Lively and others involved in the project.Lively's attorneys emphasize the emotional distress she endured, noting that Reynolds, too, experienced mental and physical repercussions due to the situation involving his wife and children. The legal action taken by Lively aims to hold Wayfarer Studios accountable for violating federal and California state laws by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns.

Hollywood Reacts

The fallout from this controversy has reverberated throughout Hollywood. Several of Lively’s former costars and collaborators have rallied behind her, commending her bravery in coming forward. Brandon Sklenar urged fans to read Lively’s complaint in full, while Jenny Slate praised her friend's courage and expressed solidarity. In response to Lively’s allegations, Baldoni was dropped by his agency William Morris Endeavor (WME). Baldoni’s complaint suggests that Reynolds pressured WME to sever ties with him, a claim the agency vehemently denies.This high-profile legal battle underscores the complexities and power dynamics within the entertainment industry. As both sides prepare for what promises to be a protracted legal struggle, the public and media eagerly await further developments.