Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will almost certainly never tour together again. The two American stars who appeared on the poster of the romantic film Never againreleased in August 2024, have started a legal battle.
The actor and director Justin Baldoni, sued in December by Blake Lively for sexual harassment on the set of the film, finally counter-sued this Thursday, January 16 and filed a complaint for defamation and extortion against the actress, and demands at least $400 million in damages.
According to his lawyer Bryan Freedman, the civil complaint filed in New York is based on “an overwhelming amount of authentic evidence detailing Blake Lively and her team’s attempt to destroy Justin Baldoni, his team and their respective companies by releasing grossly arranged, unsubstantiated and doctored information to the media.
Ryan Reynolds also targeted by Baldoni’s complaint
On December 20, the New York Times had revealed that the star of the series Gossip Girl had filed a complaint against Justin Baldoni and producer Jamey Health. This is due to inappropriate behavior and comments, particularly of a sexual nature, occurring during the filming of the film. Blake Lively, for example, accused 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 «want» et “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 Timesfrom whom he demanded 250 million dollars for his article revealing the actress’ complaint.
