Justin Baldoni Plans to Sue Blake Lively Amid Escalating Legal Battle

Actor and director Justin Baldoni is preparing to file a lawsuit against Blake Lively, following her allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct during the production of It Ends With Us. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, confirmed the news on Thursday, stating the legal counteraction is “absolutely” in the works.

The Initial Allegations

Lively first filed her lawsuit on December 20, claiming Baldoni created a toxic work environment and engaged in inappropriate behavior on the set of It Ends With Us, where he served as both director and co-star. She also accused Baldoni of damaging her reputation by collaborating with his representative Jennifer Abel and crisis PR expert Melissa Nathan, who has previously worked with Johnny Depp.

While Abel has denied orchestrating any smear campaign, Lively expanded her legal case on New Year’s Eve, filing a more formal complaint in federal court in New York. The amended lawsuit alleges Baldoni and his associates caused her “emotional distress” and significant professional harm.

Baldoni’s Legal Response

On the same day Lively filed her federal lawsuit, Baldoni countersued The New York Times, seeking $250 million in damages over its reporting of Lively’s initial claims. His lawyer, Freedman, has since revealed that Baldoni plans to pursue legal action against Lively herself.

“We intend to release all the text messages between the two of them,” Freedman told NBC. “We want the truth out in the open.”

A source close to the situation indicated that Baldoni’s lawsuit against Lively could surface soon, further complicating the already messy legal battle.

Disputed Text Messages

The crux of Baldoni’s defense includes text messages allegedly exchanged between him and Lively, which Freedman claims undermine her accusations.

One screenshot shows Lively texting Baldoni: “I’m just pumping [breast milk] in my trailer if you want to go over the script,” to which Baldoni reportedly replied, “Yes,” adding, “Eating with the crew, then heading your way.”

Freedman argues this evidence contradicts Lively’s assertion that Baldoni entered her trailer uninvited while she was undressed or breastfeeding.

“People deserve to see the full context,” Freedman emphasized. “We’re focused on transparency and letting the documents speak for themselves.”

Lively’s Expanded Lawsuit

Lively’s amended federal complaint names Baldoni, Abel, Nathan, and Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni’s production company, as defendants. She is seeking both punitive damages and compensatory damages, including lost wages and income.

The suit also demands compensation for emotional distress and insists on a jury trial. Lively’s legal team alleges that Baldoni and his associates launched a campaign of retaliation after she reported issues of harassment and workplace safety.

“Since coming forward, Ms. Lively has faced further retaliation and public attacks,” her lawyers stated in an official release.

The Fallout

Since news of the lawsuit broke, Baldoni’s career has taken a significant hit. He was dropped by his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor, and co-host Liz Plank announced her departure from his podcast, Man Enough.

Additionally, Lively’s legal filings include accusations that Baldoni claimed he could communicate with the dead, specifically with her late father, Ernie Lively, who passed away in 2021. “This claim was deeply upsetting and invasive,” her lawsuit states.

Battle of Public Perception

Freedman dismissed Lively’s allegations as “false, absurd, and intentionally salacious.” He suggested her lawsuit is an attempt to rehabilitate her public image amid rumours of difficult behaviour during the film’s production.

“She threatened not to show up to set and refused to promote the film, leading to its eventual cancellation,” Freedman alleged.

As the legal battle intensifies, both sides appear committed to defending their reputations. Baldoni’s team has signalled its intent to release further evidence, while Lively’s lawyers argue that her case exposes systemic issues in the industry.

With lawsuits in both state and federal courts, the outcome remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: this high-profile feud is far from over.