January 21, 2025 – Justin Baldoni’s legal lawyer Bryan Freedman responded strongly to Blake Lively’s reaction regarding his client’s $400 million lawsuit. He accused the actress of making false sexual harassment claims.
Freedman told the Deadline that Lively and her team’s last resort was to push the idea of sexual harassment into the public’s eye, after his client filed a lawsuit with nearly 200 pages of clear evidence that disapprove her smear campaign.
“Blake and her legal team have just one heinous pivot left, and that is to double down on the revoltingly false sexual allegations against Mr. Baldoni.”
Both parties are also accusing each other of trying to shift narratives.
The Lawsuit
Baldoni directed and starred in the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel about an abusive relationship, while Lively played the lead role of Lily Bloom and was also an executive producer. Baldoni portrayed Lily’s husband, Ryle Kincaid.
Right after the film was released in August 2024, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. She also claimed that he tried to destroy her reputation, which led her to file a lawsuit in December 2024. Freedman denied these claims at the time.
The Cast Of It Ends With Us, Photo By Invision
Her Response
Following the lawsuit, Lively’s legal team described it as “another chapter in the abuser playbook.” Arguing that Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios were trying to retaliate against her for speaking up about harassment, her team added that this was a case of “DARVO” — a tactic where the abuser turns the blame on the victim.
They also pointed out Wayfarer Studios use of its wealth and resources to distract the public and shift attention away from the real issue.
The publicists involved in the case also spoke out, calling Lively’s actions selfish and damaging.
“It is devastating to deal with this ongoing lawsuit filled with lies. Blake chose to promote a film about domestic violence in a way that caused backlash due to her public behavior. Instead of taking responsibility, she blamed us.”
Baldoni Focuses On Family
As the legal battle goes on, Baldoni finds confinement in staying close to his family. He expressed his gratitude towards his family when meeting with photographers at Los Angeles International Airport last January 17.
“We have amazing friends, family, and faith.”
