Los Angeles, CA – The ongoing legal battle between actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni escalated as Baldoni countersued the New York Times for $250 million, alleging various infractions including libel and breach of contract. This legal action follows a suit filed by Lively last month, in which she alleged sexual harassment and accused Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of initiating a smear campaign against her.
Blake Lively, known for her role in ‘Gossip Girl’, initiated legal proceedings against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios in December, citing a hostile work environment during the production of ‘It Ends With Us’, where Baldoni served as both co-star and director. In response to Baldoni’s recent lawsuit filed against the New York Times, Lively’s legal team remains steadfast, stating that the new lawsuit does not affect her previous allegations.
The complications began when the New York Times published detailed articles about the accusations against Baldoni, leading to his $250 million lawsuit. The legal documents from Baldoni’s team accuse the outlet of defamation, intrusion upon seclusion, and falsely presenting events, which they claim have damaged Baldoni’s reputation and career.
Lively’s attorneys have expressed their intention to address the claims raised by Wayfarer and its affiliates decisively on legal grounds. They emphasized that their client’s decision to file a federal complaint in New York was based on the violation of both federal and Californian laws concerning workplace safety and sexual harassment. According to her legal team, the location was chosen due to the significant activities relevant to the complaint happening there, although they remain open to pursuing further legal actions in other jurisdictions as deemed necessary.
Among Lively’s initial allegations were complaints about concerns she raised during the filming, which her legal representatives argue, were dismissed by her co-star and were painted as deceptive in his countersuit. Baldoni’s legal defense called into question Lively’s motivations, suggesting she used the allegations as a strategy to alter her public image amidst several public missteps which they assert she aimed to deflect.
Baldoni’s lawsuit characterizes Lively’s actions as a manipulative ploy to gain control over the movie’s production by leveraging sexual harassment claims. He accuses her of using her status to shift public scrutiny away from her personal missteps and towards the alleged misconduct by the production team.
In defense, the New York Times stands by its reporting, emphasizing the rigorous and responsible handling of the story. Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokesperson for the newspaper, defended the integrity of their reporting, noting it was based on a thorough review of thousands of document pages and communications including texts and emails. The news outlet has committed to vigorously defend itself in court against the claims of inaccuracies.
As the legal dispute unfolds, both parties are expected to present detailed accounts and evidence to support their claims, ensuring this high-profile Hollywood legal battle remains closely watched.
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