LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor-director Justin Baldoni has filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging defamation over reported claims that he “fat-shamed” actress Blake Lively during the filming of “It Ends With Us.”
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, details a confrontation with Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, who allegedly berated Baldoni over inquiries about Lively’s weight. According to court documents, Baldoni maintains the question was posed solely to ensure safety during a lifting scene.
The 87-page complaint states that Reynolds confronted Baldoni at the couple’s New York penthouse weeks before the film’s premiere. The “Deadpool” star allegedly accused Baldoni of fat-shaming his wife, creating what the lawsuit describes as an “inappropriate and humiliating” situation witnessed by various celebrity guests.
Baldoni, who cites chronic back issues, claims his inquiry was “made in good faith” for safety considerations regarding a scene where his character would lift Lively. Following the confrontation, Lively reportedly refused to perform the previously rehearsed scene.
The lawsuit, which includes nine additional plaintiffs including publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, and producers Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz, seeks damages for reputational harm and emotional distress.
The legal action targets The New York Times for allegedly publishing Lively’s “unverified” account of events, which Baldoni’s team argues has caused significant damage to his professional reputation.
