Actor and director Justin Baldoni, sued by Blake Lively for sexual harassment on the set of “Never Again”, countersued Thursday with a complaint for defamation and extortion against the actress, demanding at least $400 million damages.
According to his lawyer Bryan Freedman, the civil complaint filed in New York is based on “an overwhelming amount of authentic evidence detailing the attempt by Blake Lively and his team to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by disseminating crudely concocted information , unfounded and doctored to the media”.
This counterattack foreshadows a long legal duel between the camps of the two actors starring in the romantic film “Nevermore” released in 2024, directed by Justin Baldoni himself.
In December, the New York Times revealed that the star of the series “Gossip Girl” had filed a complaint against Justin Baldoni and producer Jamey Health for inappropriate behavior and comments, particularly of a sexual nature, during the filming of the film.
She accused, for example, the actor of having improvised several kisses, and the producer of having looked at her topless in her dressing room and asking her not to turn around.
The complaint also points to a campaign launched with the help of a crisis management agency to discredit the actress and her possible statements.
Justin Baldoni, on the contrary, believes in his complaint that Blake Lively sought to “steal” and “take control” of the film and its promotion. He accuses him of extortion, defamation and violation of his privacy.
Blake Lively’s husband, actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, is also the subject of the complaint.
Justin Baldoni has already launched a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, from whom he demanded $250 million for his article revealing the actress’ complaint.
published on January 16 at 9:39 p.m., AFP
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