*The ongoing legal turmoil between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni intensifies, as both actors file lawsuits addressing claims of harassment during their film production.*
**Lively and Baldoni's Legal Battle Escalates Amid Harassment Allegations**
**Lively and Baldoni's Legal Battle Escalates Amid Harassment Allegations**
*Competing lawsuits highlight serious accusations as both actors seek to clear their names.*
In a dramatic turn of events, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have initiated competing lawsuits stemming from allegations of harassment that reportedly occurred on the set of their film, *It Ends With Us*. Lively's lawsuit, filed Tuesday in New York, alleges sexual harassment by Baldoni and his publicity team, asserting a calculated effort to damage her reputation. In response, Baldoni filed his own lawsuit against The New York Times, accused of promoting false narratives aimed at harming his image while downplaying evidence that supports his claims.
Lively's legal action mirrors previous accusations made in her civil rights complaint submitted in California back in December. While she demands compensatory damages for "lost wages" and claims of "mental pain and anguish," she does not cite a specific amount. In Baldoni's lawsuit against the Times, which was first reported by Variety, he raises allegations of libel and fraud, contending that journalists colluded with Lively to discredit him and failed to give his team a fair chance to respond to the initial report that he claims was damaging.
The New York Times has dismissed Baldoni's allegations, affirming their report was based on extensive research that included a review of thousands of documents. As a result of the allegations detailed in the report, Baldoni faced immediate professional fallout, being dropped by his talent agency. His lawsuit demands a jury trial alongside damages totaling $250 million (£199 million).
Lively's accusations expose what she describes as a "hostile" environment, citing a meeting where she presented 30 rules to prevent further misconduct during filming. These demands reportedly included restrictions against explicit language on set and limitations on intimate scenes. Her legal team has accused Baldoni and his associates of orchestrating a comprehensive campaign aimed at tarnishing her public image, employing social media strategies and leveraging friendly journalists to manipulate public perception.
Baldoni's legal counsel has firmly denied Lively's characterization of events, asserting that the claims against him are "categorically false" and claiming that they had to engage a crisis manager due to Lively's threats to disrupt the film's production if her demands were not met.
Both parties have been approached for additional comments amid this brewing controversy. The film, inspired by the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, touches on themes of an abusive relationship, revealing a complex backdrop to the legal disputes now overshadowing its release last summer.
Lively's legal action mirrors previous accusations made in her civil rights complaint submitted in California back in December. While she demands compensatory damages for "lost wages" and claims of "mental pain and anguish," she does not cite a specific amount. In Baldoni's lawsuit against the Times, which was first reported by Variety, he raises allegations of libel and fraud, contending that journalists colluded with Lively to discredit him and failed to give his team a fair chance to respond to the initial report that he claims was damaging.
The New York Times has dismissed Baldoni's allegations, affirming their report was based on extensive research that included a review of thousands of documents. As a result of the allegations detailed in the report, Baldoni faced immediate professional fallout, being dropped by his talent agency. His lawsuit demands a jury trial alongside damages totaling $250 million (£199 million).
Lively's accusations expose what she describes as a "hostile" environment, citing a meeting where she presented 30 rules to prevent further misconduct during filming. These demands reportedly included restrictions against explicit language on set and limitations on intimate scenes. Her legal team has accused Baldoni and his associates of orchestrating a comprehensive campaign aimed at tarnishing her public image, employing social media strategies and leveraging friendly journalists to manipulate public perception.
Baldoni's legal counsel has firmly denied Lively's characterization of events, asserting that the claims against him are "categorically false" and claiming that they had to engage a crisis manager due to Lively's threats to disrupt the film's production if her demands were not met.
Both parties have been approached for additional comments amid this brewing controversy. The film, inspired by the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, touches on themes of an abusive relationship, revealing a complex backdrop to the legal disputes now overshadowing its release last summer.
