Baldoni’s Lawyer Condemns Lively’s Dismissal Request in Defamation Lawsuit
Defense Attorney Freedman Deems Motion “Abhorrent,” Demands Accountability from Actress
Bryan Freedman, Justin Baldoni’s legal representative, has strongly criticized Blake Lively’s plea to dismiss the defamation lawsuit against her, labeling it “abhorrent” and insisting she be held “accountable” for her actions.
Freedman’s statement came shortly after Lively’s attorneys dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million defamation claim as a “vengeful and rambling” legal action, formally requesting the court to reject the suit.
“Ms. Lively’s recent motion to remove herself from the self-created predicament she initiated represents one of the most abhorrent misuses of our legal system,” Freedman stated to People. He asserted that legal safeguards intended to protect the innocent and enable legitimate self-defense are being “twisted and curated by privileged elites to fit their own personal agenda.”
Background: Defamation Lawsuit Follows Lively’s Harassment Allegations
The defamation lawsuit was initiated by Baldoni following allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Lively during the production of “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni has refuted all accusations, which reportedly included claims about his past struggles with pornography addiction.
Lively’s Legal Team Argues Lawsuit is “Retaliatory” and Seeks Dismissal
Earlier on Thursday, Lively’s legal team filed a motion urging a judge to dismiss Baldoni’s lawsuit. They argued that the defamation claim is a “profound abuse of the legal process” and “weaponizes” defamation lawsuits to retaliate against individuals who have reported sexual harassment, claiming such actions are legally prohibited.
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Lively’s filing, submitted in the Southern District of New York court, asserts she is “firmly protected” under California law by “litigation, fair report, and sexual harassment privileges,” arguing this legally shields her from Baldoni’s defamation claims.
The actress further contested the $400 million damages sought by Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios co-plaintiffs, stating they fail to adequately justify or specify the basis for such a substantial claim.
Lively also refuted allegations of extortion, maintaining these claims stem from the same protected speech categories that are insufficient to support a defamation case.
Reynolds Also Seeks Lawsuit Dismissal, Baldoni’s Lawyer Responds
Lively’s dismissal request follows a similar motion from her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who also seeks to be removed from Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit.
Baldoni’s Lawyer Criticizes Reynolds’ Dismissal Attempt and “Smear Campaign”
Freedman has also denounced Reynolds’ attempt to dismiss the lawsuit. He asserted that Reynolds’ involvement in the matter extends beyond merely being a “supportive spouse,” characterizing him as a “key player” in what Freedman describes as a “smear campaign” against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios.
“Mr. Reynolds was a key player in the scheme,” Freedman reiterated, stating the actor’s influence has been evident throughout the alleged campaign. He dismissed Reynolds’ attempt to minimize the claims as “hurt feelings,” arguing that this sends a message that “bullying is acceptable.”
“Mr. Reynolds now attempts to reduce plainly cognizable claims to ‘hurt feelings,’ sending a clear message that bullying is acceptable. After lighting a match, Mr. Reynolds now seeks to run from the flames. It won’t work,” Freedman concluded, vowing to pursue accountability for Reynolds’ actions.
Legal Dispute Between Baldoni and Lively Escalates
The legal conflict between Baldoni and Lively began in December 2024. Lively’s initial complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department and followed by a lawsuit, alleged that Baldoni made inappropriate sexual comments and discussed his past pornography addiction on the set of “It Ends With Us.”
Baldoni, denying all allegations, responded with the defamation lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds.