Justin Baldoni Sues New York Times for $250M Over Blake Lively Story

Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of “It Ends With Us,” has filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, escalating the legal drama surrounding the film’s production. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, also names producer Jamey Heath, Wayfarer Studios, and publicists Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan as co-plaintiffs.

The legal action comes in response to a New York Times article published on December 21, 2024, titled “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine”. This article detailed allegations made by Blake Lively, Baldoni’s co-star, who accused him of sexual harassment on set and orchestrating a smear campaign against her.

Baldoni’s lawsuit alleges that the Times article relied “almost entirely” on Lively’s “unverified and self-serving narrative” while disregarding “an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims”. The complaint argues that the newspaper cherry-picked and altered communications, stripping them of context to mislead readers.

The New York Times has stated that it stands by its reporting, describing the story as “meticulously and responsibly reported” based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents. The newspaper has vowed to “vigorously defend against the lawsuit”.

This legal action adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding “It Ends With Us.” Despite the film’s box office success, it has been overshadowed by the public dispute between its lead actors. The lawsuit and its outcome could have significant implications for journalism, celebrity disputes, and the entertainment industry’s handling of harassment allegations.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters, filmmakers and actors. Our services now include acting classes. Additionally, we are introducing film reviews by experienced critics and professional press article writing covering industry news and trends. Whether you’re looking to craft compelling stories, enhance your acting skills, or gain insights into the film industry, our resources will equip you to thrive in this competitive field. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and bring your artistic vision to life!