LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic turn of events, Justin Baldoni, the actor and director known for his role in “It Ends With Us,” has filed a defamation and extortion lawsuit against his co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The legal action, submitted in federal court in New York, claims a staggering $400 million in damages for alleged interference with the film’s production and marketing, as well as reputational harm and lost income.
Baldoni accuses Lively and Reynolds of commandeering the project’s promotional efforts while disseminating false allegations about him and others involved in the film. His lawsuit asserts that the couple, feeling overlooked for acclaim, resorted to scapegoating him when they did not achieve the acknowledgment they sought for their performances.
The timing of Baldoni’s lawsuit follows Lively’s own legal claim against him and others, where she alleges that they retaliated against her for revealing uncomfortable experiences she faced while filming. Lively’s attorneys have characterized Baldoni’s lawsuit as a classic case of DARVO—Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender—suggesting he is attempting to discredit her after she spoke out about her treatment.
“It Ends With Us,” adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, premiered in August and saw an impressive $50 million debut at the box office. While the film begins as a typical romantic narrative, it addresses deeper themes of domestic violence, resonating with many viewers and sparking critical discussions within Hollywood regarding the treatment of women in the industry.
Baldoni’s lawsuit contends that the film initially aimed to honor survivors of domestic abuse, stating that Lively’s actions have warped its narrative beyond recognition. He refutes her claims of harassment, arguing that during the filming, Lively exhibited a level of comfort around him that included breastfeeding in meetings. He also cites instances where she made requests for an intimacy coordinator which were promptly attended to.
In a series of counter allegations, Baldoni claims that Reynolds confronted him with accusations of fat-shaming Lively and subsequently influenced the decision of his agency, WME, to sever ties with him. He emphasizes that Lively had previously expressed insecurities about her postpartum body, suggesting that his interactions were misinterpreted.
Lively’s legal team, however, maintains that they have evidence from other cast members that corroborates her experiences with Baldoni. They assert that the focus should remain on the abuse victims rather than turning attention to the alleged abuser.
With the stakes high and the public eye firmly set on the unfolding legal drama, this case could set significant precedents in Hollywood regarding accountability and the treatment of actors speaking out against harassment.
As both sides prepare to present their arguments, it remains to be seen how this situation evolves and what impact it might have on the industry at large, particularly when it comes to advocating for the equitable treatment of all those involved in film production.