Hollywood legal battle intensifies: Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively over wellness coach allegations
Annapurna Rai | Feb 04, 2025, 20:37 IST
( Image credit : Agencies )
Actor Justin Baldoni has sued Blake Lively for defamation, asserting her claims of being fat-shamed on set were misinterpreted. The conflict escalated when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment. Additionally, Baldoni has included Lively's husband Ryan Reynolds in the legal battle for defamation. A trial is set for March 2026.
In a dramatic escalation of their ongoing legal dispute, actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, alleging defamation stemming from her claims that he hired a wellness coach to fat-shame her during the production of their film, It Ends With Us. Baldoni contends that his actions were misinterpreted and that his intentions were solely focused on Lively's well-being during a period of illness on set.
The lawsuit, filed on January 16, 2025, includes text message exchanges as evidence, which Baldoni asserts demonstrate his genuine concern for Lively's health. He maintains that the engagement of a wellness coach was intended to support her recovery and ensure her safety during physically demanding scenes, rather than to critique her appearance.
This legal action follows Lively's December 2024 lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. She alleged that Baldoni had covertly arranged for a fitness trainer to pressure her into losing weight for a specific scene, which she claims was fabricated. Baldoni has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that his efforts were aimed at safeguarding her health and the integrity of the film's production.
The conflict has further intensified with the involvement of Lively's husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni has expanded his legal actions to include Reynolds, accusing him of defamation and invasion of privacy following public criticisms. Both parties are now preparing for a trial scheduled for March 2026, as the legal battle continues to unfold.
This high-profile dispute highlights the complexities of professional relationships in the entertainment industry and underscores the challenges of navigating personal interactions within the demanding context of film production. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and the need for mutual respect among collaborators in creative endeavors.
The lawsuit, filed on January 16, 2025, includes text message exchanges as evidence, which Baldoni asserts demonstrate his genuine concern for Lively's health. He maintains that the engagement of a wellness coach was intended to support her recovery and ensure her safety during physically demanding scenes, rather than to critique her appearance.
This legal action follows Lively's December 2024 lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. She alleged that Baldoni had covertly arranged for a fitness trainer to pressure her into losing weight for a specific scene, which she claims was fabricated. Baldoni has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that his efforts were aimed at safeguarding her health and the integrity of the film's production.
The conflict has further intensified with the involvement of Lively's husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni has expanded his legal actions to include Reynolds, accusing him of defamation and invasion of privacy following public criticisms. Both parties are now preparing for a trial scheduled for March 2026, as the legal battle continues to unfold.
This high-profile dispute highlights the complexities of professional relationships in the entertainment industry and underscores the challenges of navigating personal interactions within the demanding context of film production. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and the need for mutual respect among collaborators in creative endeavors.