Blake Lively’s legal team has responded strongly to a defamation and extortion lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and their associates on January 16. The lawsuit follows a legal dispute in which Lively had previously alleged sexual harassment and retaliation, claims that she made public earlier. In their statement, Lively’s lawyers condemned the lawsuit as a retaliatory move designed to undermine her credibility.
The legal team accused Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of using their considerable financial resources to manipulate public perception, arguing that the lawsuit and media statements are part of a larger effort to discredit Lively’s allegations. They described the action as part of an "abuser playbook," alleging that the studio is attempting to turn the tables on Lively, who had come forward with evidence of sexual harassment.
“This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation, and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim,” the statement from Lively's legal team read.
Lively's attorneys also criticized Baldoni's claims that she took creative control of the project and alienated the cast. They denied these accusations, asserting that evidence would show other members of the cast and crew had negative experiences with Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios as well. Additionally, they emphasized that Sony Pictures had requested Lively to oversee the studio's cut of the film in question, a version that ultimately became a major success after its release.
The legal team also took issue with Baldoni’s defense strategy, calling it misogynistic and outdated. They stated that his argument—attempting to place the blame on Lively for her treatment based on her actions or appearance—was a common tactic used to deflect from the actual abuse. They emphasized that while Lively was focused on speaking out about the harassment, the counter-narrative was an attack on her character, which they argued would ultimately fail to discredit the evidence in her complaint.
Baldoni’s lawsuit, which seeks $400 million in damages, claims that Lively’s actions led to lost future income and reputational harm. The lawsuit comes about two weeks after Lively filed her own legal action, accusing Baldoni and others associated with the film of harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her for speaking out about her experience on set. The ongoing legal battle has highlighted the clash between Lively and the powerful studio and individuals she accuses of mistreatment.
