The controversy surrounding the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us has escalated as Justin Baldoni, actor and director of the project, filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times. The lawsuit comes after the publication released a damning article on December 21, detailing allegations by co-star Blake Lively, who accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
The Allegations and The Times Report
The New York Times article, titled “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine,” presented a narrative based on alleged text messages and emails between Baldoni and his PR team. Among the claims, the article accused Baldoni of entering Lively’s makeup trailer uninvited on several occasions, including moments when she was undressed or breastfeeding. The report purportedly relied heavily on Lively’s perspective, bolstered by what the publication described as “a review of thousands of pages of original documents.”
In response, The New York Times defended its reporting. “Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported,” the publication stated. “To date, Wayfarer Studios, Mr. Baldoni, the other subjects of the article, and their representatives have not pointed to a single error. We published their full statement in response to the allegations and plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit.”
Baldoni’s Legal Action
Baldoni’s lawsuit, which includes nine additional plaintiffs such as his publicists, alleges that The New York Times misrepresented events and painted an inaccurate picture of his actions. The complaint highlights discrepancies in the article, including an instance where the report claimed Baldoni entered Lively’s trailer uninvited. According to Baldoni, the context was entirely different: he had been invited via text by Lively herself. The alleged text message from Lively read, “I’m just pumping in my trailer if you wanna work out our lines,” to which Baldoni responded appropriately.
The lawsuit accuses the Times of relying “almost entirely on Lively’s unverified and self-serving narrative” and ignoring other evidence that contradicted her claims. It also notes that Lively has not filed a lawsuit against Baldoni or his associates, a decision that the plaintiffs argue strategically avoids the scrutiny of a legal discovery process.
Implications for Lively and the Film
While Lively has not taken legal action herself, her allegations have cast a shadow over the It Ends With Us adaptation. Released last year, the film was already surrounded by rumors of on-set tension. Lively’s accusations and the ensuing fallout have only added to the scrutiny of the production and its key players. The lawsuit’s outcome could significantly impact public perception of both Baldoni and Lively. If Baldoni’s claims hold up in court, it may cast doubt on the veracity of Lively’s allegations and the credibility of The New York Times reporting. Conversely, if the Times successfully defends its article, it could bolster Lively’s narrative and deepen the controversy surrounding Baldoni’s actions.
Looking Ahead
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the evidence presented by both sides. The legal battle not only challenges The New York Times’ reporting but also raises broader questions about the media’s role in high-profile disputes and the responsibility to ensure accuracy in sensitive matters. For now, the drama surrounding It Ends With Us continues to captivate Hollywood and audiences alike, with no resolution in sight. Whether through the courtroom or further public revelations, the truth behind the allegations remains to be seen.