Actor Justin Badldoni, who also directed the hit Hollywood movie “It Ends with Us” is now suing The New York Times for $250M, launching a counter attack in an escalating controversy with his co-star, Blake Lively.
Baldoni and his team say the newspaper was party to a “vicious smear campaign “ by Lively who filed an earlier complaint accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on set and retaliation during the promotion of the film.
It is just the latest salvo in an ongoing dispute between the two actors that erupted during the production of the film, in which Baldoni plays Lively’s on-screen abusive husband.
The complaint filed by Baldoni and a total of ten plaintiffs, including his producing partners and publicist stated “the [New York] Times relied almost entirely on Lively’s unverified and self-serving narrative, lifting it nearly verbatim while disregarding an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives.”
Lively’s original complaint was filed with the California civil rights department almost two weeks ago and it was first obtained by The New York Times.
It alleges Baldoni and his team tried to destroy Lively’s reputation after she raised concerns “about repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing on-set behavior by Mr. Baldoni”.
The times published their article on December 21st highlighting excerpts from the civil rights complaint including messages from a crisis PR Manager for Baldoni that say “we can bury anyone”.
The New York Times stated that they will “vigorously defend against the law suit” saying “our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents including text messages and emails.”
Baldoni’s complaint alleges the paper omitted text messages to serve Lively’s narrative, saying ”the article’s central thesis, encapsulated in a defamatory headline designed to immediately mislead the reader, is that the plaintiffs orchestrated a retaliatory public relations campaign against Lively for speaking out about sexual harassment”.
It further says “Lively’s cynical use abuse of sexual harassment allegations to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production.” And that Lively’s public image suffered as a result of a series of high-profile blunders.
Attorneys for Blake Lively sent a statement to the press on Tuesday saying “nothing in this [Baldoni’s] lawsuit changes anything regarding her claims.”
The director of It Ends With Us accuses Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds of attempting to 'destroy' him with false allegations in a new legal filing
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's It Ends with Us feud takes a dramatic turn as Baldoni plans to countersue following Lively's December accusations of sexual harassment and smear campaign. The stars' legal battle escalates with multiple lawsuits and industry-wide repercussions.
Former publicist Stephanie Jones is suing Justin Baldoni and his PR team, alleging a breach of contract, defamation, and a coordinated smear campaign. The lawsuit, tied to the It Ends with Us production, claims manipulation, client poaching, and negative media coverage orchestrated by former collea
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.
The Hungarian government has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant shift in the country's international stance.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment