Justin Baldoni Says Ryan Reynolds ‘Aggressively Berated’ Him Over Blake Lively

The unfolding drama between Hollywood stars Justin Baldoni, Ryan Reynolds, and Blake Lively has taken center stage in recent weeks, as lawsuits and allegations emerge from all sides.

The controversy stems from events during the production of the film It Ends With Us and involves claims of workplace hostility, fat-shaming accusations, and retaliatory actions. Here’s a detailed look at the situation.

Baldoni’s Lawsuit Against The New York Times

On December 31, Justin Baldoni, actor and director of It Ends With Us, filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times.

This action was in response to a December 21 article that highlighted sexual harassment allegations made by Blake Lively and a purported smear campaign.

Baldoni’s legal team claimed the article relied on “doctored and manipulated texts” and presented a biased narrative.

Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, alleged that the publication succumbed to the influence of “untouchable Hollywood elites” — referring to Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

In defense, The New York Times asserted their reporting was “meticulously and responsibly” conducted, based on extensive documentation, including text messages and emails.

The January 2024 Confrontation

A key incident detailed in Baldoni’s lawsuit describes a heated meeting in January 2024 at Reynolds and Lively’s New York apartment.

The gathering, held just before filming resumed post-strike, reportedly turned confrontational. Baldoni alleged that Reynolds launched into a “traumatic” tirade, accusing him of fat-shaming Lively.

Baldoni claims the misunderstanding arose when he inquired about Lively’s weight with her trainer, citing back issues that made lifting scenes challenging.

The trainer reportedly relayed this to Lively, sparking outrage. According to Baldoni, Reynolds demanded an apology, and when Baldoni refused to apologize for what he hadn’t done, the situation escalated.

Lively’s Allegations

Blake Lively, who had recently given birth to her fourth child, accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment.

Her legal team claimed he contacted her trainer without her consent and implied she needed to lose weight within two weeks — a claim Baldoni denies.

Lively stated there was no such scene requiring a lift, and she was “humiliated” by the implication.

In January, Lively reportedly threatened to quit the film unless the issues were addressed. Her lawyers described the meeting as an effort to resolve a hostile environment and included her right to have Reynolds present as a representative.

Retaliation Claims and Industry Fallout

The fallout from the accusations has been significant for Baldoni. Shortly after Lively’s complaint became public, his agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME), dropped him.

Baldoni alleged that Reynolds pressured his agent to sever ties with him, though WME denied these claims.

Meanwhile, Lively escalated her legal actions, filing a federal complaint against Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, alleging retaliation and violations of workplace safety laws.

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Support For Lively and Baldoni’s Perspective

Several of Lively’s colleagues and former co-stars have expressed solidarity. Brandon Sklenar, one of her It Ends With Us co-stars, encouraged fans to read her complaint, while Jenny Slate praised Lively’s courage in speaking out, calling the situation “disturbing and wholly threatening.”

Baldoni has maintained that the allegations are baseless, describing the situation as a misunderstanding blown out of proportion. His lawsuit against The New York Times criticizes the publication for amplifying the allegations without proper scrutiny.

Baldoni’s legal team remains firm in their stance, claiming to possess evidence disproving the accusations.

What’s Next?

The legal battles continue, with both sides determined to defend their narratives. Baldoni seeks to clear his name, while Lively aims to bring attention to what she describes as “sinister retaliatory tactics.”

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Justin Baldoni right now. Come back here often for all Justin Baldoni spoilers, news, and updates.

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