Los Angeles, April 13, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
A Celebrity Legal Battle That Has Taken Hollywood by Storm
In what’s shaping up to be one of the most dramatic legal showdowns in Hollywood history, actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Ryan Reynolds, the husband of his former co-star Blake Lively. The lawsuit comes amid a swirl of mutual accusations following the filming of It Ends With Us, the hit adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.
This bitter courtroom drama has already spilled into public view with fiery legal filings, explosive media statements, and a trial date now officially set for March 9, 2026.
Timeline of Events: From Set to Courtroom
December 2024: Blake Lively files a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, claiming he created an unsafe work environment during the filming of It Ends With Us.
March 2025: Baldoni responds with a sweeping defamation countersuit, not only against Lively but also her husband, Ryan Reynolds, her longtime publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times.
April 2025: Legal teams clash in court filings, with Baldoni’s lawyers urging a judge to deny Reynolds’ motion to dismiss, claiming his “fingerprints have been all over this smear campaign.”
The Viral Accusations: What Each Side Claims
Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
Lively alleges that Baldoni:
Improvised unscripted kisses.
Entered her trailer while she was breastfeeding.
Commented inappropriately about pornography and her weight.
Claimed to have communicated with her deceased father during filming.
Her team accuses Baldoni of using litigation to silence survivors, stating:
“The chilling message scorched earth litigation sends to victims is stay silent or be destroyed.”
They cite California’s AB 933 law, which protects victims from retaliatory defamation suits.
Justin Baldoni’s Response
Baldoni has denied all allegations and argues that Lively’s lawsuit is an orchestrated PR stunt to damage his reputation and career. His legal team accuses Reynolds of playing a key role in the smear campaign, quoting a July 2024 joke by Reynolds:
“I’m too big to fail at this point, so I just crush my enemies and drink their blood.”
Baldoni insists that this legal action is his First Amendment right to defend himself against false and harmful accusations.
Ryan Reynolds in the Crosshairs
Reynolds, who filed a motion to dismiss the claims against him, has maintained that he is simply a supportive spouse. His lawyers argue that the complaint is flawed:
“The entirety of Baldoni’s case appears to be based on Mr. Reynolds allegedly privately calling Mr. Baldoni a ‘predator.’ But that is not defamation unless it can be proven false.”
Reynolds’ spokesperson also criticized Baldoni’s brand:
“Unlike Mr. Baldoni, who built his image on being a man who listens to women, Ryan Reynolds actually is that man.”
The Role of Religion and Set Culture
An investigative report by Hollywood journalist Peter Kiefer revealed alleged tension on set surrounding Baldoni’s Bahá’í faith, which emphasizes prayer, unity, and non-materialism. Kiefer noted:
“Blake claimed Justin told her he had been communicating with her dead father… it was just so strange.”
While some found Baldoni’s spiritual behavior “unusual,” others like concept artist Talia Spencer described him as “kind and respectful”, suggesting Lively undermined his authority on set.
A Divided Industry
As the trial looms, Hollywood appears split. Some support Lively’s stand for victims’ rights, while others view Baldoni as wrongfully maligned. The film It Ends With Us was originally promoted as a message of hope against domestic violence, but now its legacy is overshadowed by legal turmoil.
Spencer remarked:
“I think Blake mistook his kindness for weakness and tried to take power. It’s sad that this film about empowerment is being lost in all this.”
FAQs About the Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Lawsuit
What sparked the lawsuit between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?
Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us. In response, Baldoni sued her and others for defamation, claiming the accusations are false and damaging.
Why is Ryan Reynolds involved in this case?
Reynolds, Lively’s husband, is accused of participating in a “smear campaign” against Baldoni. Baldoni’s team alleges Reynolds made defamatory remarks and acted as a co-conspirator.
What is California’s AB 933 law?
AB 933 is a law designed to protect victims of sexual harassment from retaliatory defamation lawsuits. Lively’s legal team claims Baldoni’s suit violates this statute.
Has a court date been set?
Yes, the trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026. However, experts doubt it will reach trial due to the reputational damage already incurred by both sides.
What did Reynolds say about Baldoni?
Reynolds allegedly referred to Baldoni as a “predator” in private, which Baldoni claims is defamatory. Reynolds argues this belief was genuine and therefore protected under free speech.
Is the film It Ends With Us affected by the lawsuit?
While the movie was a box office hit, its legacy is now marred by these legal disputes, which have overtaken the intended message about domestic abuse awareness.
Hollywood’s Most Shocking Feud Yet
The legal war between Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds has all the makings of a high-stakes courtroom drama. With millions of dollars, reputations, and principles at stake, both sides have dug in deep.
As the clock ticks toward 2026, the entertainment world watches closely. Will truth prevail, or will this bitter feud fade into Hollywood legend? Only time — and a judge — will tell.
