Justin Baldoni refutes New York Times article about Blake Lively, hits back and files million-dollar lawsuit

In recent days it was reported that actress Blake Lively had filed a lawsuit against her co-star and director in the film "It Ends With Us", Justin Baldoni, for sexual harassment and the attempt to "destroy her reputation" through a "multi-level scheme" after a meeting in which she uncovered "other disturbing conduct" within the production.

In a turn of events, Baldoni himself filed a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times, which published the article about the actress' lawsuit and all the details that support her claims.

The publication Variety revealed the 87-page complaint in which Baldoni accuses the Times of "promissory fraud and breach of implied contract", as well as categorically refuting the article called "'We can bury anyone': inside a Hollywood smear machine", published on December 21.

Details aside, Baldoni claims that Lively is lying in her claims to justify the claim that there was sexual harassment on his part, such as that he allegedly repeatedly entered the actress' trailer uninvited while she was undressed, even when she was breastfeeding.

Baldoni's lawsuit is backed by 10 other plaintiffs, including publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, who accuse the NYT of defamation and invasion of privacy.

What did the NYT say about Lively and Baldoni?

According to the New York Times article, Blake Lively allegedly endured months of alleged sexual harassment by Baldoni, as well as a campaign of retaliation when she voiced her concerns. However, Baldoni disagrees, as he accuses Lively of wanting to take full control of the production through a smear campaign and a lot of manipulation against him.

In his lawsuit, Baldoni also includes Lively's husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, for physical assaults during a meeting at his Tribeca penthouse in New York, and for pressuring Baldoni's agency, WME, to sideline him, allegedly during the premiere of "Deadpool & Wolverine" last July.

Reactions from the legal teams

Blake Lively's legal team claimed that Baldoni's lawsuit does not change anything about the claims filed with the California Department of Civil Rights, nor the federal lawsuit; and Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, told Variety that the NYT "cowered to the whims and caprices of two powerful 'untouchable' elites" in Hollywood.