Justin Baldoni files $250 million lawsuit, Blake Lively responds immediately

New twist in the affair between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. As announced a few days ago, the actor and director filed a complaint against the “New York Times” on December 31, after the publication of an article accusing him of having implemented a defamation campaign against Blake Lively, his co-star in the film “Never Again” (“It Ends With Us”, released last summer).

As detailed by the American magazine “People”, which was able to consult the complaint, Justin Baldoni and “a group of nine other plaintiffs, including his production company Wayfarer Studios, commercial partners and a public relations team” are suing the newspaper for defamation, invasion of privacy under false information, fraud of promise and implied contract. Plaintiffs who are now demanding a copious sum of $250 million in compensation.

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This complaint follows that filed by Blake Lively on December 21 in California. The actress accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of “Never Again” and of being at the origin of a smear campaign against her during the promotion of the film. In its article, the “New York Times” revealed damning messages exchanged between Justin Baldoni and his communications team.

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For his lawyer, quoted by “People” again, the actor is himself the victim of a “vicious defamation campaign entirely orchestrated by Blake Lively and his team”, and the “New York Times has bowed to the wishes and to the whims of untouchable Hollywood elites.” In his complaint, Justin Baldoni and lawyers listed several other messages which would prove the good faith of the actor, who would never have wanted to harm Blake Lively or the production of the film, of which he was the executive producer in addition to be a director.

For its part, the newspaper denied having published an article written in a “meticulous and responsible” manner.

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A second complaint filed by Blake Lively’s lawyers

Even as Justin Baldoni filed a complaint against the “New York Times” on Tuesday, Blake Lively’s lawyers filed a second federal complaint in New York on December 31, against the actor and Wayfarer Studios.

“Ms. Lively has already filed a complaint with the California Department of Civil Rights in response to Wayfarer’s retaliatory campaign against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns,” one of the attorneys said. “Unfortunately, Ms. Lively’s decision to speak out has resulted in further retaliation and attacks. Wayfarer and its associates violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her.”