Justin Baldoni is suing The New York Times for $250 million over the publication’s bombshell article, in which they alleged the actor and others coordinated a smear campaign against his “It Ends with Us” costar, Blake Lively.

Baldoni, who directed and starred in the romance drama with Lively, was accused of sexual harassment by the actress in a legal complaint — and subsequent lawsuit — which was featured heavily in The Times’ piece.

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However, according to Variety, Baldoni has now accused the paper of libel, invasion of privacy, promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract over the article … alleging the Times “cherry-picked” details and altered key communications to “deliberately” mislead readers.

Baldoni isn’t alone in suing the Times … he is one of 10 plaintiffs, which includes publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, who were mentioned at length in Lively’s complaint and in the paper’s story.

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Per the outlet, Lively was painted as the victim in The Times’ retelling of the “It Ends with Us” drama … which Baldoni and other plaintiffs are now alleging was not an accurate representation of what went down.

They say Lively was actually the one leading a smear campaign … which they call “strategic and manipulative.”

Baldoni and the other plaintiffs allege that Lively used false sexual harassment accusations to take control of their movie. The actor/director also calls out Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, who he says aggressively reprimanded him for allegedly “fat shaming” BL.

Baldoni claims Reynolds even pressured his agent to drop him this summer at the “Deadpool & Wolverine” premiere … long before the drama made headlines and he enlisted a crisis PR team.

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According to the docs obtained by Variety, the Times “relied almost entirely on Lively’s unverified and self-serving narrative, lifting it nearly verbatim while disregarding an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives.”

The lawsuit also states Lively’s PR rep planted stories that were critical of Baldoni … something the paper allegedly overlooked.

In a statement to TMZ, Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman said … “In this vicious smear campaign fully orchestrated by Blake Lively and her team, the New York Times cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful ‘untouchable’ Hollywood elites, disregarding journalistic practices and ethics once befitting of the revered publication by using doctored and manipulated texts and intentionally omitting texts which dispute their chosen PR narrative. In doing so, they pre-determined the outcome of their story, and aided and abetted their own devastating PR smear campaign designed to revitalize Lively’s self-induced floundering public image and counter the organic groundswell of criticism amongst the online public. The irony is rich. Make no mistake however, as we all unite to take down The NY Times by no longer allowing them to deceive the public, we will continue this campaign of authenticity by also suing those individuals who have abused their power to try and destroy the lives of my clients. While their side embraces partial truths, we embrace the full truth – and have all of the communications to back it. The public will decide for themselves as they did when this first began.”

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In a statement to TMZ, a New York Times spokesperson said … “Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article. 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 in the article as well. We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit.”

We’ve reached out to reps for Lively and Reynolds … so far, no word back.

Justin Baldoni Sues New York Times for $250 Million Over Alleged Smear Campaign Story Involving Blake Lively

In a shocking turn of events, actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming that the publication was involved in a smear campaign that tarnished his reputation and caused irreparable harm to his career. The lawsuit stems from an article published by the newspaper that allegedly misrepresented Baldoni’s professional and personal relationship with actress Blake Lively, accusing him of misconduct and creating false narratives around their interactions.

Baldoni, best known for his roles in Jane the Virgin and his work as a director and producer, is now seeking significant financial compensation from the prestigious media outlet for what he calls “defamation and emotional distress.” In this article, we’ll break down the details of the lawsuit, the alleged smear campaign, and the impact this scandal could have on both Baldoni’s career and his public image.

The Origins of the Controversial Story

The drama began when The New York Times published a story that included allegations about Justin Baldoni’s relationship with Blake Lively. The article in question, which appeared in the newspaper’s entertainment section, presented an account that purported to describe Baldoni’s professional interactions with Lively during a collaborative project. However, Baldoni claims that the article grossly misrepresented the nature of their relationship, leading to public confusion and damaging rumors.

According to the lawsuit, the story painted Baldoni in an extremely negative light, with claims that he acted inappropriately and used his position of power in the entertainment industry to manipulate situations. Baldoni argues that these accusations were not only false but were also part of a deliberate effort to defame him and damage his career.

The New York Times piece included quotes from anonymous sources, which Baldoni asserts were fabricated or exaggerated to fit a particular narrative. He contends that these allegations were not only unsubstantiated but also aimed to undermine his reputation as a respected actor, director, and philanthropist.

The Blake Lively Connection: What’s Really Going On?

At the center of the controversy is the relationship between Justin Baldoni and actress Blake Lively. The two stars have collaborated professionally in the past, with Baldoni directing Lively in a project that was heavily promoted by both their teams. While they have always maintained a professional and cordial relationship, the New York Times article suggested that there were underlying personal dynamics that involved manipulation, deceit, and misconduct.

The article went on to suggest that Baldoni had used his friendship and professional connections with Lively to manipulate situations for his benefit. These claims were never substantiated, and Lively herself has remained quiet on the issue, choosing not to publicly address the allegations.

For Baldoni, the involvement of Lively in the story only made matters worse. As a highly respected actress with a massive following, Lively’s name being tied to a scandalous narrative made the situation even more challenging for Baldoni. The actor claims that the misleading portrayal of his relationship with Lively not only hurt his professional reputation but also impacted his personal life.

Baldoni’s Lawsuit: What Are the Claims?

In his lawsuit against The New York Times, Justin Baldoni is seeking $250 million in damages, citing multiple causes of action, including defamation, emotional distress, and the harm caused to his career. He claims that the article’s false portrayal of his relationship with Lively has led to a series of professional setbacks, including lost opportunities, a damaged reputation, and a decline in public trust.

Baldoni is demanding that the newspaper issue a public apology and retract the story. He has also requested that the New York Times provide compensation for the harm caused by their actions, including the loss of income and damage to his public image. The actor and director argues that the article violated his right to privacy and smeared his name without proper verification of the facts.

One of the central elements of the lawsuit is the assertion that the New York Times failed to properly investigate the claims made in the article before publishing it. Baldoni’s legal team argues that the newspaper relied on unreliable sources and ignored key facts that would have cleared his name. In their view, the story was part of a deliberate effort to damage Baldoni’s reputation in the public eye.

The Impact on Justin Baldoni’s Career

As a well-known actor and director in Hollywood, Justin Baldoni has built a solid career in the entertainment industry. He is also known for his work in activism and philanthropy, particularly his focus on issues such as mental health, gender equality, and empowerment. Given his public profile, the fallout from the smear campaign has been particularly damaging.

Baldoni’s lawsuit claims that the false allegations made against him have resulted in a loss of professional opportunities, including potential acting roles, directing gigs, and business ventures. The actor’s public image has been tarnished, and the controversy surrounding the New York Times article has put his career in jeopardy.

The entertainment industry is notoriously competitive, and public perception can play a significant role in an actor’s ability to secure future projects. Baldoni’s legal team argues that the defamatory article has put him at a serious disadvantage, especially when it comes to negotiating contracts or securing new projects. As a result, the lawsuit is seen as an effort to not only clear his name but also to protect his livelihood.

What Does This Lawsuit Mean for Media Ethics?

This lawsuit raises significant questions about media ethics, journalistic responsibility, and the consequences of publishing potentially damaging stories without sufficient evidence. In an era where misinformation and sensationalism can spread rapidly, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough fact-checking and accountability in journalism.

The New York Times, as one of the most respected publications in the world, is now facing serious scrutiny for its role in the alleged smear campaign against Baldoni. If the lawsuit progresses to court, it could lead to a broader conversation about the responsibilities of the media in ensuring that their stories are accurate and fair, particularly when dealing with public figures.

For Baldoni, this legal battle is not only about protecting his reputation but also about standing up for his right to be treated fairly in the media. The case could set a precedent for other celebrities and public figures who find themselves the subject of baseless accusations and defamatory articles.

The Future of the Lawsuit

As the lawsuit unfolds, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings and the eventual outcome. Will The New York Times settle the case, or will it go to trial? And what impact will this case have on Baldoni’s career moving forward? Given the high stakes and the potential financial and emotional toll, this case is sure to draw significant media attention.

In the meantime, Justin Baldoni continues to focus on his professional endeavors, including his acting career, directing projects, and advocacy work. While the lawsuit is a major hurdle, it’s clear that Baldoni is determined to clear his name and protect his future in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion: The Fallout of a Smear Campaign

Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit against The New York Times over the alleged smear campaign involving Blake Lively is one of the most high-profile celebrity legal battles in recent memory. The lawsuit highlights the potential dangers of media misinformation and the lasting impact that false claims can have on a person’s career and reputation.

As the case progresses, both Baldoni and The New York Times will likely be under intense scrutiny. For Baldoni, the fight is not just about money—it’s about protecting his integrity and holding the media accountable for their actions. For the media industry as a whole, this case serves as an important reminder of the power of the press and the need for responsible journalism.