He announced it, he did it. Justin Baldoni, director of the film “Never Again,” responded to the complaint filed against him by Blake Lively by in turn attacking the actress in court. The filmmaker – who joins a group of nine other plaintiffs, including Wayfarer Studios, his production company, according to “People” – is also suing the “New York Times” (NYT) for defamation and invasion of privacy, among other things. He is seeking $250 million in compensation.
According to Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, he is being targeted by a “vicious smear campaign entirely orchestrated by Blake Lively and his team.” He also accuses the “NYT” of having “bent to the desires and whims of untouchable Hollywood elites” by publishing a damning article which revealed exchanges of messages between the filmmaker and his communications team. The daily, for its part, claims to have written its investigation in a “meticulous and responsible” manner, based solely on facts.
In response to Justin Baldoni’s complaint, Blake Lively immediately filed a second complaint against him, this one federal. “Unfortunately, Ms. Lively’s decision to speak out has resulted in further retaliation and attacks. As Ms. Lively’s federal complaint alleges, Wayfarer and its associates violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and safety concerns. in the workplace,” the actress’ lawyer told “People.”
On December 21, 2024, the actress, heroine of the film released in August on screens, accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and of having orchestrated a campaign of slander against her, following a wave of denigrating posts about her broadcast on social networks – accusations that the director refutes. The film’s promotional campaign had already highlighted the tensions between the actress and the filmmaker, who had refused to pose side by side. The “Daily Mail” then revealed that disagreements between the two protagonists had already marred the filming.
