Blake Lively Files New Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni Amid $250 Million Defamation Case

In a dramatic turn of events, Blake Lively has officially filed a new lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, just days after her initial legal complaint against him became public. This new case, filed on New Year’s Eve, comes on the heels of Baldoni’s own high-profile legal battle, where he is suing The New York Times for $250 million in defamation over their coverage of Lively’s accusations.

A Long-Standing Legal Battle

This latest lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Lively’s initial complaint, which she filed earlier this month, accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment on the set of It Ends With Us, the film that Baldoni directed and starred in alongside Lively. Baldoni has strongly denied these allegations.

In her new complaint, Lively alleges that Baldoni, with the help of his public relations team—including Jennifer Abel (his representative) and Melissa Nathan (a crisis PR expert) who had previously worked with Johnny Depp—actively sought to damage her reputation. While Abel has denied orchestrating any smear campaign, the lawsuit accuses the group of attempting to tarnish Lively’s image.

Lively’s Continued Legal Fight

At 37, Lively has been relentless in her pursuit of justice. After filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, she has now escalated the matter to a federal court in New York. This new lawsuit, more formal in nature, targets not only Justin Baldoni but also his PR representatives and Wayfarer Studios, the production company behind It Ends With Us.

In her legal action, Lively seeks both punitive and compensatory damages, as well as a jury trial to address the “emotional distress and suffering” she claims to have endured. Additionally, Lively is seeking compensation for lost income, and emotional stress, asserting that the defendants’ actions have caused her significant harm.

Legal Experts Speak Out

Lively’s legal team has issued statements, revealing the immense toll this battle has taken on the actress. “Since Blake Lively chose to speak out about the harassment she endured, she has been subjected to further retaliation and attacks,” one of her lawyers remarked. They went on to highlight that Wayfarer Studios and its associates had retaliated against Lively for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety issues.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New York, accuses Baldoni and his team of violating both federal and California state laws by taking retaliatory action against Lively. Her attorneys emphasized that this case is about holding those responsible accountable for their actions in court.

The Defamation Suit Against The New York Times

In a stunning development, on the same day that Lively filed her lawsuit, Justin Baldoni took legal action against The New York Times. Baldoni is demanding $250 million in defamation damages after the newspaper reported on Lively’s initial accusations. The New York Times has since defended its coverage, stating that it stands by the accuracy of its reporting and intends to “vigorously defend” against Baldoni’s lawsuit.

Baldoni’s legal struggles have already had a significant impact on his career. Since the news of Lively’s initial allegations broke, William Morris Endeavor, his talent agency, has dropped him, and Liz Plank, one of the co-hosts of his podcast Man Enough, has publicly announced her departure from the show, citing her discomfort with the situation.

A Future in the Spotlight

As Blake Lively continues to fight for justice, the future remains uncertain for both her and Justin Baldoni. Lively’s legal action and her courage in speaking out against harassment and retaliation have made headlines around the world, while Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit against The New York Times threatens to keep both of their names in the public eye.

With her new lawsuit, Lively is sending a powerful message that she will not back down in her fight for what she believes is right. As the legal battles unfold, it’s clear that the story of Lively and Baldoni is far from over, and the public will be watching closely to see how this intense saga continues to unfold.