- Ryan Reynolds has filed a plea to dismiss Justin Baldoni's lawsuit, arguing it lacks grounds for defamation.
- Reynolds' attorneys argue that defamation cannot be proven unless the statement is demonstrably false.
- The attorneys argue that Reynolds' statements are protected under the First Amendment.
The documents state that the lawsuit revolves around claims that Reynolds called Baldoni a "predator" but emphasize that defamation cannot be proven unless the statement is demonstrably false—something the complaint fails to establish.
Reynolds’ attorneys, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, stated, "Mr. Baldoni’s entire case seems to rely on the claim that Mr. Reynolds privately called him a ‘predator.’ However, the problem is that defamation cannot be proven unless Mr. Baldoni can show that Mr. Reynolds did not believe the statement to be true."
They also pointed out that accusations of sexual harassment against Baldoni had surfaced, with Blake Lively, Reynolds' wife, supporting the claims through both formal and informal complaints.
Furthermore, they added, "The complaint doesn’t allege that, and just the opposite, the allegations in the complaint suggest that Mr. Reynolds genuinely believes Mr. Baldoni is a predator."
"Mr. Reynolds’ wife has accused Mr. Baldoni—privately and in multiple complaints—of sexual harassment and retaliation, and as pointed out by Mr. Reynolds’ motion, Mr. Baldoni has also openly spoken about his past of mistreating women and pushing the boundaries of consent," the attorneys stated.
They emphasized Baldoni's public admissions of past misconduct and asserted that Reynolds’ statements were protected under the First Amendment.
Reynolds' spokesperson stated that Baldoni's lawsuit serves as a manifesto of grievances designed to attack Reynolds’ character. They pointed out that Baldoni has built a public image as a supporter of women, which contradicts the allegations against him.
The spokesperson stated confidence that the lawsuit would be dismissed and confirmed plans to seek recovery of legal fees, citing investor Steve Sarowitz's $100 million pledge linked to the case.
In December 2024, Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni over sexual harassment allegations. Baldoni denied the claims and, in January 2025, countersued Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Lively's publicist for $400 million, accusing them of civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
The trial is scheduled for May 2026, as no settlement has been reached.
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