Justin Baldoni Sues NYT for $250 Million Over Blake Lively Story

As someone who has navigated the treacherous waters of Hollywood for many years, I can empathize with Blake Lively’s harrowing account of a coordinated smear campaign against her reputation. The experience she describes is all too familiar to those of us in the entertainment industry – the feeling of being targeted, belittled, and betrayed by people who should have been allies.

Having faced my own share of online vitriol and personal attacks, I understand the pain and anguish that comes with having one’s character assassinated for the sake of clout or profit. It is a cruel and destructive practice that can leave lasting scars on both personal and professional lives.

In this case, however, it seems that Lively has found solace in the support of her friends and colleagues who have stood by her side. Their public displays of solidarity are a powerful reminder that there is strength in numbers and that those who seek to tear others down will not always succeed.

On a lighter note, I can’t help but wonder what it must be like to be part of such an elite club of Hollywood friends – the ones who have each other’s backs no matter what. Imagine being able to call Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, Jenny Slate, and countless others for emotional support when you need it most. Now that’s a friendship group I’d love to be a part of!

Justin Baldoni is taking legal action.

As a woman who has faced my fair share of workplace harassment, I can empathize with Blake Lively’s experience and her decision to speak out against it. The recent lawsuit filed by her “It Ends With Us” co-star against The New York Times for their report on the sexual harassment allegations is a bold move that highlights the power of standing up for oneself in the face of adversity. It’s disheartening to see someone being targeted in this way, but it also shows how important it is to hold powerful institutions accountable for their actions and the impact they have on individuals. I hope that Lively finds justice and that this lawsuit serves as a reminder to all women (and men) to speak out when they face harassment or discrimination in the workplace.

Bryan Freedman, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the case, stated to the press that The Times “yielded to the demands of two influential figures in Hollywood, disregarding journalistic standards and ethics that were once synonymous with the esteemed publication. They employed doctored and manipulated materials, while deliberately leaving out texts that contradicted their preferred publicity storyline.

TopMob News has made contact with the representative of Lively and The New York Times, but neither have responded yet.

As an over-the-moon fanatic, I can’t help but share some exciting news! Back on December 21st, The New York Times broke the story that Blake Lively had initially submitted a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department. This was essentially laying the groundwork for a potential lawsuit. Then, just days later on December 31st, TMZ disclosed another intriguing update: Blake has now officially filed a lawsuit in New York’s federal court! Keep your eyes peeled for more developments on this captivating tale.

Previously, she expressed to the New York Times on December 21st that she hopes her legal action will serve to reveal the hidden, malicious strategies used against individuals who expose misconduct. Furthermore, she hopes it will provide protection for those who might face similar retaliation in the future.

In that moment, attorney Freedman, representing Baldoni and his studio Wayfarer Studios, refuted Lively’s accusations, labeling them as “yet another desperate effort to improve a less-than-favorable public image.

He went on to say that these statements are utterly baseless, containing inflammatory and deliberately sensational content meant to cause harm and perpetuate stories in the media.

According to the account provided by the former Gossip Girl star, as reported by TopMob News, she described an encounter in January 2024 where she discussed a work atmosphere that was unfriendly and on the verge of disrupting the filming process.

As an ardent fan, I’ve come across accounts suggesting that during a significant gathering, I, along with my beloved Ryan Reynolds, Alec Baldwin, and Jamey Heath – a key figure from Wayfarer Productions – were all present. The discussions revolved around the alarming misconduct allegedly inflicted upon Blake Lively, her team, fellow cast members, and crew, by both Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath.

According to the grievance, some of the content in question allegedly involved sharing explicit videos or photos of women, including the producer’s wife, with Lively or her staff. Furthermore, there was no reference made to Mr. Baldoni’s or Mr. Heath’s past issues with pornography addiction, nor any mention of actress Ernie Lively (Lively’s father).

After the meeting, everyone in attendance concurred that the behavior should stop. Furthermore, filming was successfully wrapped up the next month.

Keep reading to the stars who’ve spoken out following Lively’s complaint…

As a lifestyle expert speaking from personal perspective, I’d say: The so-called smear tactics aimed at Lively have not only affected her personally but also extended to her cherished family, including her children James (age 10), Inez (8 years old), Betty (5) and the youngest, Olin, who joined us in 2023.

Notably, the most detrimental effect has been observed on their young kids. These children have experienced trauma and had their emotional stability disrupted significantly, which has negatively affected their overall health and happiness.

On certain days, she finds it challenging to rise from bed, often preferring to stay indoors rather than face public life. Despite her efforts to manage both her personal affairs and professional commitments, she’s been dealing with profound grief, fear, trauma, and intense anxiety in private.

On certain days, it’s been tough for her to rise from bed, and often she prefers to stay indoors rather than face public places. Despite her efforts to manage both her private life and professional obligations, she’s been secretly battling profound grief, fear, trauma, and severe anxiety at home.

Keep reading to the stars who’ve spoken out following Lively’s complaint…

As a lifestyle expert, I would express it this way: Following the allegations made by Blake Lively against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni in the film “It Ends With Us,” regarding inappropriate behavior on set and participating in a defamatory campaign afterward – claims he has since refuted through his legal representative – the author of the book upon which the movie is based, Colleen Hoover, extended a message of support to Blake.

On her Instagram Stories, Colleen expressed her gratitude to @blakelively: “From the moment I met you, you’ve been truthful, caring, encouraging, and patient. I appreciate you for being just the person you are. Always stay genuine, always stay strong.

Blake’s sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively, also weighed in.

“I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety,” Robyn wrote on Instagram Dec. 23, referencing the NYT piece that details Blake’s complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. “It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister.”

The actress from Teen Witch later pointed out that it mirrors the kind of treatment Blake is said to have faced during filming for It Ends With Us.

The director of Blake’s movie “A Simple Favor” also stood up for her, writing on December 22nd: “I’ve made two films with Blake and let me tell you, she is incredibly professional, creative, collaborative, gifted, and kind. She didn’t deserve the smear campaign against her. It’s awful that she had to go through this.

On December 22nd, the comedian expressed her backing for the former Gossip Girl star, posting on her Instagram Story, “I stand with Blake.

Not long after Blake’s grievance became known, the creator of Goop posted a picture of Blake Brown’s hair company on her Instagram Story, stating, “I’ve just added it to my Christmas wishlist.

Blake’s closest friends and co-stars from ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ collectively wrote a post on Instagram on December 22nd, expressing their support by standing beside her as she bravely battles against the alleged smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation.

Bart Johnson vigorously defended his sister-in-law by expressing heartfelt remarks in response to an Instagram post on the New York Times, which discussed the submission of a report and their internal probe into the backstage chaos.

“Her complained were filed during the filming,” the High School Musical alum, who is married to Blake’s sister Robyn, wrote. “On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spitting ignorance. His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is with out faults. But the public got played.”

Later, he remarked about Baldoni, “He’s a pretender. He dons the mask of a hero, complete with man bun. He employs all the popular phrases and buzzwords for his podcasts. It’s all fake. It’s just a show. And many were deceived by it for years. Re-watch his videos with a skeptical eye and observe him showering himself with self-praise, disguised as humility and modesty. What an act!

Shawn Levy, a close associate of Ryan Reynolds, posted about the New York Times investigation into the negative campaigning on his Instagram Stories. He expressed pride in having Blake Lively as a friend by writing, “I’m honored to know @blakelively.

In the days following Johnny Depp’s defamation trial against her becoming public knowledge, Amber Heard contemplated her own ordeal of enduring harsh criticism online, which she experienced during her time as his ex.

In his interview with NBC News on December 23rd, the star of Aquaman stated that social media serves as a vivid illustration of the old adage “A lie can spread halfway across the globe while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” He personally witnessed this and found it both shocking and devastating.

Brandon Sklenar, the actor who portrayed Blake’s romantic interest Atlas Corrigan in ‘It Ends With Us’, conveyed a straightforward and encouraging message.

As a long-time fan of “Gossip Girl,” I find it intriguing to observe the personal lives of its former cast members unfold on social media. In this instance, seeing the Gossip Girl alum share a screenshot of his complaint against Baldoni on Instagram Stories, tagging her with a heart emoji, seems like an unusual move. I can only imagine the dynamic between them off-screen, given their shared history as castmates. It’s interesting to see how their professional and personal relationships have evolved over time, and this incident provides a glimpse into that evolution. As someone who has followed both of their careers closely, it will be fascinating to observe how they handle this situation moving forward.

Jenny Slate, who portrayed Baldoni’s sibling and was best friends with Blake in the movie, voiced her opinions on the “troubling” accusations.

In a statement made to Today on December 23rd, my friend and co-star Blake Lively’s supporter spoke up. They expressed their backing as she confronts those accused of orchestrating an assault on her reputation. “Blake is a respected leader, a dependable friend, and a vital emotional support system for me and countless others who know and cherish her,” they added.

The information unveiled concerning the assault on Blake is incredibly grim, unsettling, and entirely menacing, as the actor from Parks and Recreation went on to say. I applaud my friend, I respect her courage, and I remain steadfast with her in solidarity.

In the upcoming sequel of “A Simple Favor,” co-starring Lively, posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story on December 23rd. He mentioned that he could empathize with her “hardships” during their filming sessions earlier in the year.

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2025-01-01 03:49