Justin Baldoni sues New York Times for supporting Blake Lively’s harassment allegations

Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni has filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times (NYT) following its publication of a story supporting harassment allegations by Blake Lively, his It Ends With Us co-star.

The lawsuit claims the article was “rife with inaccuracies” and relied on Lively’s “self-serving narrative” while omitting key evidence.

Lively had previously accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign in a complaint with the California Civil Rights Commission. She alleged Baldoni sought to damage her reputation after she confronted him and others about inappropriate behavior on set, bringing her husband, Ryan Reynolds, to a meeting. NYT’s article was the first to report on these allegations.

In his lawsuit, Baldoni, alongside producers Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, and publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, accuses NYT of defamation and invasion of privacy. The lawsuit claims Lively misused harassment allegations to gain control over the production while deflecting scrutiny of her personal life.

NYT defended its reporting, asserting it was based on extensive documentation and accurately quoted communications. The publication stated it plans to “vigorously defend” the lawsuit.

Lively also filed a second lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging emotional distress stemming from his alleged actions, which Baldoni has categorically denied.