After a 7-minute behind-the-scenes clip featuring Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively was released, public support amidst the lawsuit battle began to shift towards Baldoni’s side. This prompted Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynold’s lawyer, to request a gag order to restrict any more information from being released to the public. Baldoni’s lawyer, in return, stated that he won’t be “bullied” into silence.  

Blake Lively’s Lawsuit Against Baldoni

On December 21^st, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni claiming sexual harassment during the filming of the movie “It Ends With Us”. Lively claimed that Baldoni, who was the lead actor as well as the director of the film, caused her severe emotional distress. According to the lawsuit filed, Lively requested a meeting during the filming of the movie that her husband, Ryan Reynolds attended too. In the meeting, Baldoni agreed to not mention “sexual conquests” and to not ask around about Lively’s weight. He allegedly also agreed to not mention Blake’s deceased father.

Baldoni meanwhile maintained that the allegations were false. He, via his lawyer, claimed that the lawsuit filed against him was just an attempt by Lively to fix her reputation that was tarnished during interviews for the film’s promotions. He also disputed Lively’s claim that there was no intimacy coordinator on set.

On December 22^nd, the New York Times published an article with alleged proof of Baldoni’s PR trying to damage Blake Lively’s reputation during the press tour. Baldoni later filed a lawsuit against the publication for seemingly publishing redacted text messages in support of Lively.

Following the lawsuit against Baldoni, he was dropped by his talent agency, WWE agency, one that also represents Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. He was also stripped of an award for being “an ally to women” after backlash against him.

Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit against The New York Times

Baldoni, along with 9 other people, sued the New York Times for their article in support of Lively claiming invasion of privacy. They also alleged that the article was twisted to support Lively by redacting a few of the text messages and accused them of not showing the whole truth. The lawsuit claimed that the text messages shown as evidence in the article were “cherry-picked” and lacked context painting Baldoni and his team in a negative light.

In the lawsuit, Baldoni also gave a reason for inquiring about Blake’s weight. He explained that he suffers from back issues and wanted to ensure that he could “safely perform the lift.” Furthermore, Baldoni claimed that he was aggressively reprimanded by Reynolds following this.

Baldoni countersues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Days after the lawsuit against him, Baldoni finally sued Lively and Reynolds for $400 million on January 17^th. He accused the couple of attempting to destroy his career. Moreover, he claimed that the duo hoped to damage his reputation to save Lively from the negative spotlight and to get her back in the public’s good graces.

Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman claimed that the lawsuits filed by Baldoni are “based on an overwhelming amount of evidence.” He further stated that all the texts, emails, and videos presented as evidence prove Baldoni’s innocence and that Lively would “certainly regret” picking this battle.

Responding to his comments, Lively’s lawyer released a statement referring to Baldoni as an “abuser” and Lively a “victim”. They accused him and his lawyers of trying to “turn the tables.”

Justin Baldoni releases behind-the-scenes video to counter allegations against him

According to the original lawsuit filed against Baldoni accusing him of sexual harassment, Lively claimed that he “dragged his lips down her neck”. She also accused him of commenting on her scent thus acting unprofessionally.

On January 21^st, Baldoni released the footage in question claiming that both the actors were professional and acting according to the demand of the movie. The footage also negates Lively’s accusations clearly showing that Baldoni said, “It smells good,” referring to her spray tan that Lively herself mentioned.

In response to the video released, Lively’s lawyers maintain that the interaction made her uncomfortable and that the filming of the scene was done without the presence of an intimacy coordinator.

While in the beginning of the legal battle and after the article by The New York Times, Blake Lively had garnered major support of the public with many users believing her version of the incidents occurred. However, after the release of Baldoni’s shreds of evidence especially the behind the scenes footage of his and Lively’s interaction, a massive shift of opinion among the public was observed. Online users on various platforms extended their support to Baldoni and accused Lively of using her power and authority to defame him. The public opinion continues to be divided.