Justin Baldoni calls Blake Lively’s claims ‘false and damaging’, lawyer says new lawsuit will reveal truth
Justin Baldoni plans to “expose” what his lawyer calls a “false” narrative created by Blake Lively’s legal complaint against the actor.
The actor’s upcoming lawsuit will share “the truth” after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of Colleen Hoover’s adaptation of “With Us.”
“This is not a response or a counterclaim, but a deliberate pursuit of the truth,” Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, told People.
Blake Lively sues Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment, retaliation and emotional distress
Justin Baldoni plans to sue Blake Lively over the “false and damaging narrative” painted by her sexual harassment allegations. (David Buchan/Variety/Penske Media, Getty Images/Leah Toby/Getty Images)
Baldoni’s attorneys said: “This lawsuit will expose and expose the false and damaging narrative deliberately orchestrated by a trusted media publication that relied on nefarious sources and neglected a thorough fact-checking process to confirm. validity of these texts.
“Insurmountable and authentic evidence was collected, including timelines and communications, which had not been tampered with or spliced together without context, unlike evidence that had been altered. [‘New York Times’] The story airs on Saturday, December 21, 2024,” the statement continued.
Fox News Digital reached out to Friedman for additional comment.
“This lawsuit will expose and expose false and damaging narratives deliberately orchestrated by a trusted media publication that relied on nefarious sources and neglected a thorough fact-checking process to confirm the validity of these texts.”
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Vivid and detailed Sexual Harassment AllegationsA complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Division on Dec. 20 cited retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and other acts.
The actress reportedly held an “all hands meeting” on January 4, 2024, regarding the alleged behavior of Baldoni and film producer Jamie Heath, which was also attended by her husband Ryan Reynolds .
Justin Bardoni and Blake Lively co-star in The End of Us. (Getty Images)
“Ms. Lively was forced to raise concerns about inappropriate behavior by Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath directly with them, and began doing so months before filming began,” reads the complaint, obtained by Fox News Digital. “The concerns she raised were not only about herself, but also about other female cast and crew members, some of whom also spoke out.”
Some of the alleged actions discussed included no longer showing Lively nude videos or images of women, no longer mentioning Baldoni or Heath’s previous “porn addiction,” no longer discussing personal sexual experiences, no longer describing own genitals, more sex scenes outside of the original script, no more discussion of Blake’s weight or late father, etc.
Click here to subscribe to the Entertainment Newsletter
Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment, among other accusations. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
At that time, all parties agreed to stop the above-mentioned actions. Despite the agreement, Lively alleges in the complaint that Baldoni executed and participated in a campaign of “social manipulation” to “destroy” her career and reputation.
“I hope my legal action helps lift the lid on these sinister retaliation tactics designed to harm those who dare speak out about wrongdoing and help protect others,” Lively told The New York Times in a statement. Someone who might be a target.
Baldoni’s attorneys denied the accusations to the media, saying: “These accusations are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally obscene with the intent to publicly harm and retell a story in the media.”
Justin Baldoni has denied the accusations against him. (Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.
