Los Angeles, California – Actor and producer Justin Baldoni is pushing back against actress Blake Lively’s efforts to dismiss his lawsuit, claiming that the First Amendment protects his right to seek justice. In new court documents, Baldoni accuses Lively of attempting to sabotage his career by participating in a smear campaign against him and his company.
The lawsuit stems from a project involving Baldoni’s company, Wayfarer Studios, which produced a film featuring both Lively and Baldoni. Following a contentious falling out during the film’s production, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and malicious behavior. In response, Baldoni filed his own suit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times, accusing them of furthering the smear campaign against him.
In his recent court filing, Baldoni asserts that there is evidence of Lively’s involvement in defamatory statements aimed at damaging his reputation. He specifically points to Lively providing false information to the New York Times, intending to harm his career and reputation.
Baldoni’s legal counsel, Bryan Freedman, has emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutional right to seek justice through the legal system. Freedman argues that Lively’s attempts to dismiss the lawsuit are an infringement on Baldoni’s rights and set a dangerous precedent for future cases involving false accusations.
Freedman is adamant about fighting against any attempts to block access to the court system and weaken constitutional protections. He asserts that Baldoni and his company deserve the opportunity to clear their names and seek justice for the harm caused by Lively’s actions.
The legal battle between Baldoni and Lively continues to unfold, with Baldoni and his legal team determined to uphold their rights and seek accountability for the alleged smear campaign orchestrated by Lively. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for future cases involving defamation and false accusations in the entertainment industry.