Hollywood drama is no stranger to glitzy movie premieres and glamorous awards shows, but it sometimes spills over into the courtrooms with as much spectacle as any blockbuster movie. The latest legal entanglement to capture the public’s attention features none other than Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Justin Baldoni—a trio that’s become embroiled in a lawsuit that feels more like a script for a Hollywood thriller than real life.
The Spark that Lit the Fire: Lively’s Lawsuit Against Baldoni
The story begins with Blake Lively taking legal action against Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the film It Ends With Us, accusing him of harassment, emotional distress, and breach of contract. But as tensions rose, another big name got swept into the chaos—Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband and a well-known figure in Hollywood for his roles and quick wit.
The situation escalated following a crucial meeting in January 2024 at the Reynolds-Lively New York City penthouse. Originally intended as a professional gathering with Baldoni and other stakeholders including producers and a representative from Sony, the meeting quickly turned sour. Baldoni described this encounter as “traumatic” and likened it to an ambush where he was confronted with a barrage of complaints about his behavior on set.
However, insiders paint a different picture. Sources close to the situation alleged that everyone present was well aware that the meeting was called to address Baldoni’s problematic actions. According to TMZ, “The meeting did go down last January, as It Ends With Us was to resume production after it was stalled by industry strikes…and everyone in attendance knew Baldoni’s alleged behavior would be addressed…so, there was zero blindsiding.”
Ryan Reynolds reportedly remained stern but professional throughout the proceedings. Nevertheless, Baldoni felt attacked and claimed the entire scenario was humiliating, marking a pivotal moment as the production was about to restart following industry strikes.
A Deeper Accusation: The Battle over Influence
As if the controversy surrounding the penthouse meeting wasn’t enough, Baldoni’s lawsuit took a further jab at Reynolds and Lively. He accused the couple of using their clout to influence his career negatively, alleging that they pressured agents at William Morris Endeavor (WME) to sever ties with him. This accusation came to light during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine, where Baldoni claimed the couple made moves to cut him off professionally.
In his complaint, as reported by USA TODAY, Baldoni’s attorneys stated, “The wielding of power and influence became undeniable. Baldoni and Wayfarer grew increasingly fearful of what Lively and Reynolds were capable of, as their actions seemed aimed at destroying Baldoni’s career and personal life.” WME has outright denied these allegations, asserting that there was no such pressure exerted at the premiere or at any other time.
The New York Times Lawsuit: A Fight Against Media Giants
The legal drama didn’t stop with personal allegations. Baldoni extended his battle into the media realm by suing The New York Times for $250 million. His lawsuit claims that the newspaper sided with Lively and Reynolds in what he describes as a smear campaign against him. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, accused Lively of masterminding the campaign and Reynolds of supporting her efforts. Freedman also criticized The Times for yielding to the influence of “two powerful untouchable Hollywood elites [Lively and Reynolds]” and presenting a biased narrative.
This unfolding story not only highlights the personal and professional conflicts among some of Hollywood’s biggest stars but also underscores the influence and power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry. As the lawsuit progresses, more details are likely to emerge, painting a fuller picture of the high-stakes drama involving Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Justin Baldoni.