New York: In the latest twist in the contentious legal drama surrounding the film It Ends With Us, actor-director Justin Baldoni has filed a federal lawsuit against co-star Blake Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni, along with production company Wayfarer Studios, is seeking at least $400 million in damages, alleging extortion, slander, and lost future revenue.
Allegations of Media Manipulation and Harassment Claims
Baldoni’s lawsuit accuses Lively and Reynolds of leveraging their media influence and control over the film’s production and marketing to falsely portray Baldoni as engaging in sexual and other forms of harassment.
The complaint states:
“Two of the most prominent celebrities in the world used their immense influence to snatch a movie from its producer and director. When their efforts failed to gain them the recognition they felt they deserved, they targeted a scapegoat.”
Counterclaims from Lively
This legal action follows a separate complaint filed by Lively two weeks earlier. In her lawsuit, she alleged retaliation from Baldoni and members of the production team after she disclosed her treatment on set. Lively’s claims have heightened tensions, fueling public and legal scrutiny over the film’s production environment.
Impact on It Ends With Us
The acrimonious dispute has cast a shadow over It Ends With Us, a film that had already garnered significant attention due to its dark themes and high-profile cast. The ongoing legal drama risks overshadowing the movie’s artistic merits and could have financial repercussions for all parties involved.
As the lawsuit proceeds, it remains to be seen how these allegations will be substantiated in court and what impact the controversy will have on the reputations of those involved.
