A $250 Million Showdown

Justin Baldoni is fighting back. In a high-profile $250 million lawsuit, Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs—including publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel—have accused The New York Times of libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud, and breach of an implied-in-fact contract.

The lawsuit follows the Times’ December 21 article, “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine,” which outlined allegations by Blake Lively claiming Baldoni engaged in sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of It Ends With Us. Baldoni’s legal team alleges the Times deliberately manipulated evidence, describing their reporting as “cherry-picked” and “doctored” to create a misleading narrative.

One claim centers on an incident where Baldoni allegedly barged into Lively’s trailer while she was breastfeeding. However, his team counters with a text from Lively herself, inviting him: “I’m just pumping in my trailer if you wanna work out our lines.”

Another disputed claim involves text messages between Nathan and Abel that the Times suggested celebrated negative press about Lively. Baldoni’s lawyers argue the exchange was misrepresented, citing Nathan’s earlier text: “Damn this is unfair because it’s also not me,” which they say proves the comment was a joke rather than an admission.

Blake Lively’s Explosive Allegations

Blake Lively’s own legal filing paints a starkly different picture. Her 80-page complaint, submitted to the California Civil Rights Department, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation, and emotional abuse. Lively alleges that Baldoni improvised intimate scenes without her consent, made inappropriate remarks about her weight, and entered her trailer uninvited while she was undressed.

She also claims Baldoni and his team orchestrated a smear campaign to discredit her after she raised workplace safety concerns. Her complaint outlines 30 demands allegedly agreed upon during a January 2024 meeting, including “no more showing nude videos or images of women” and “no more improvising of kissing.” Baldoni’s legal team denies the existence of this document, calling her claims “false and misleading.”

Resurfaced Videos Stir Debate

Amid the legal chaos, resurfaced videos from Baldoni’s personal life are drawing scrutiny. A 2013 clip from his wedding shows him emotionally apologizing to his wife, Emily, for his “faults, shortcomings, insecurities, and ego.” Emily reciprocated with vows praising his ability to inspire and comfort others, promising to stand by his side.

However, it’s Baldoni’s extravagant 27-minute proposal video that’s reigniting debate. Featuring a flash mob, lip-syncing, and a heartfelt tribute to Emily’s late father, the video has amassed over 14 million views on YouTube. While fans laud it as a romantic masterpiece, critics call it a self-indulgent spectacle.

Emily Baldoni’s Role in It Ends With Us

Emily Baldoni also had a small part in It Ends With Us, portraying Dr. Julie, a medic performing an ultrasound on Lively’s character. Their two children, Maiya and Maxwell, appear in the film’s closing scene. Emily’s presence on set has fueled speculation about whether she was aware of the alleged misconduct and how she may have navigated the controversies surrounding her husband.

Hollywood’s Reaction

The fallout from these allegations has rocked Hollywood. Baldoni was dropped by his management agency, WME, shortly after the Times article’s publication. Meanwhile, Lively has garnered widespread support, including public endorsements from her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars.

What Lies Ahead

This scandal, blending legal drama, personal controversies, and Hollywood intrigue, has captivated the industry and beyond. With reputations and careers hanging in the balance, the truth behind the allegations will shape the legacy of all involved. As the lawsuits unfold, one certainty remains: Hollywood is watching, and the outcome will be nothing short of seismic.