In a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, Justin Baldoni accused Ryan Reynolds of berating him for “fat-shaming” Blake Lively. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court after an article was published in which Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment while working together on the film It Ends With Us. Baldoni recalled an allegedly hostile meeting with Lively and Reynolds at their New York City apartment, where he was criticized for inquiring about Lively’s weight for a scene in the movie. Baldoni’s character was supposed to lift Lively in the air, and he wanted to ensure he could do so safely despite his back issues.
The disagreement arose from Baldoni’s question about Lively’s weight, which was relayed to the couple by his trainer. The lawsuit claims that the conversation was prompted by Baldoni’s concern for safety during filming. Despite offering repeated apologies, Baldoni felt compelled to defend his inquiry as being made in good faith. After the confrontation, Lively allegedly refused to perform the lift scene, threatening to quit the movie unless Baldoni worked according to her preferences. Lively’s attorney dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit as being based on an “obviously false premise” and reiterated her claims of harassment in previous complaints.
The New York Times defended its reporting of Lively’s accusations, claiming that the story was meticulously and responsibly reported based on thousands of pages of original documents. The outlet stated that they accurately quoted text messages and emails in the article and that no errors have been identified by Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni, or other subjects mentioned in the story. The spokesperson for The New York Times stated that they would vigorously defend against the lawsuit filed by Baldoni. The publication maintained its commitment to following the facts and providing accurate reporting based on thorough research and documentation.
Baldoni’s lawsuit highlights the alleged confrontation with Lively and Reynolds at their apartment, where he was berated for inquiring about Lively’s weight for a scene in the movie. The actor’s concern for safety during the filming process due to his back issues led to tensions between him and the couple. Despite offering apologies, Baldoni felt pressured to defend his actions, which he believed were reasonable and made in good faith. Lively’s resistance to performing the lift scene and her threats to quit the movie added to the conflict between the parties involved.
Lively’s attorney reiterated her claims of harassment in previous complaints and dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit as being based on false premises. The lawsuit filed by Baldoni against The New York Times and Reynolds accuses them of inappropriate behavior during the confrontation at the apartment. The legal battle between the parties involved reflects the complexities and tensions that can arise in the entertainment industry. The defense of journalistic integrity by The New York Times and the commitment to accuracy in reporting showcase the challenges faced by news organizations in covering sensitive and controversial stories. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely shed light on the truth behind the allegations and accusations made by the individuals involved in the dispute.
