Justin Baldoni is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively that has taken a dramatic turn. Baldoni, known for his role in "Jane the Virgin," has filed a staggering $400 million lawsuit against the couple, alleging defamation and extortion. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, recently criticized Reynolds for attempting to dismiss himself from the case, suggesting that he is trying to evade responsibility for his actions.
Freedman stated that Reynolds is not just a supportive spouse but a significant player in what he describes as a smear campaign against Baldoni. He claims Reynolds’ involvement has been substantial since the beginning. The attorney’s comments came after Reynolds’ legal team filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that Baldoni’s claims lack legal merit.
The conflict began when Baldoni accused Reynolds of labeling him a "predator" during a conversation with a talent agent at the premiere of "Deadpool & Wolverine" in July 2024. Baldoni claims that Reynolds pressured the agent to sever ties with him, which ultimately led to Baldoni being dropped by his talent agency, WME. However, WME has denied any claims of being coerced by Reynolds, stating that Baldoni’s representative was not even present at the event.
Freedman emphasized that Reynolds’ attempts to downplay the situation as mere "hurt feelings" send the wrong message about bullying. He is adamant that Baldoni’s claims are serious and deserve to be taken seriously in court. Meanwhile, Reynolds’ attorneys argue that their client has the First Amendment right to express his opinion about Baldoni, insisting that his statements cannot be deemed defamatory unless it can be proven he did not believe them to be true.
In a separate statement, Reynolds’ spokesperson described Baldoni’s lawsuit as a list of grievances aimed at shaming Reynolds for being the person Baldoni pretends to be. The legal teams for both sides are gearing up for a trial set for March 2026, where they will present their arguments in front of a judge.
The situation has escalated beyond the courtroom, with both parties publicly addressing the allegations. Baldoni has denied any wrongdoing, while Lively has also filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation. The ongoing legal drama has captured public attention, with many eager to see how this celebrity feud will unfold in the coming months.