Legal Battle Erupts Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Over 'It Ends With Us' Film

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A seemingly cordial on-set interaction between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni during the filming of "It Ends With Us" in May 2023 has spiraled into a complex legal battle involving multiple lawsuits and allegations from both sides.

The dispute has escalated into four separate lawsuits, with both parties seeking to protect their public image while pursuing legal vindication. At the core of the conflict, Lively has accused Baldoni of harassment and retaliation, while Baldoni counters with defamation claims.

Baldoni's legal actions target multiple parties, including Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and the New York Times. He claims the newspaper misrepresented text messages and favored Lively's version of events.

Legal experts suggest Lively's harassment and retaliation case may have stronger footing. Her legal team has obtained text messages from Baldoni's publicists discussing plans to "destroy" or "bury" her, which could support her retaliation claims. However, proving damages from the alleged smear campaign may present challenges, as the events occurred after her employment ended.

Baldoni's defamation suits face several hurdles. His team must prove false statements rather than just misinterpreted context. Many core allegations, such as comments about Lively being "sexy" and "smelling good," are acknowledged by both parties, making them difficult to use as grounds for defamation.

The dispute has expanded beyond harassment and defamation. Baldoni alleges contract interference, claiming Lively and Reynolds pressured his agency to drop him - a claim the agency denies. He also accuses Lively of improperly seizing creative control over the film.

As the legal battle continues, experts suggest both parties may eventually seek resolution as public interest wanes. The ongoing conflict risks damaging both actors' reputations, potentially leading them toward an amicable settlement once tensions subside.