Blake Lively’s Representative Files to Dismiss Justin Baldoni’s Amended Lawsuit
Allegations of Distraction and Sexist Remarks Surrounding ‘It Ends With Us’
Leslie Sloane, Blake Lively’s representative, has filed a motion to be dismissed from Justin Baldoni’s amended lawsuit. Sloane, along with her company Vision PR, Inc., argues that Baldoni’s claims of civil extortion, defamation, and false light are unsubstantiated and an attempt to divert attention from his own alleged sexual harassment and retaliation actions.
Sloane maintains that Baldoni’s amended complaint fails to provide specific allegations of extortion, defamation, or false light. Furthermore, she asserts that Baldoni’s accusations regarding creative issues in the film ‘It Ends With Us’ are irrelevant and sexist. She argues that Lively’s role as an executive producer and her input on the project were met with derogatory remarks by Baldoni, suggesting that her involvement was unwelcome because she is a woman.
Sloane’s motion also alleges that Baldoni’s lawsuit trivializes the serious issue of sexual harassment. She states that Baldoni has attempted to recharacterize the conflict as a mere battle for creative control, downplaying the gravity of the underlying allegations.
In addition to requesting dismissal of the claims, Sloane seeks attorneys’ fees and costs under New York’s anti-SLAPP law. This law protects individuals and companies from lawsuits that aim to silence their exercise of free speech in matters of public concern.
Background of the Case
The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni stems from allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. Lively filed a federal suit against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath in December 2022, accusing them of inappropriate behavior on the set of ‘It Ends With Us.’
Baldoni responded by filing a $250 million suit against the New York Times for an article about his alleged smear campaign against Lively. He later filed a separate $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, claiming that they attempted to undermine the film.
Legal Proceedings
Both parties recently appeared in federal court, where a judge ordered them to follow New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct. This limits their ability to speak to the press about the case. However, they are permitted to defend their clients from publicity initiated by other parties.
Conclusion
Leslie Sloane’s motion to dismiss Justin Baldoni’s amended lawsuit highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of this legal dispute. It raises questions about the boundaries of free speech in matters of public concern and the intersection of gender and power dynamics in the entertainment industry. The outcome of the case will have implications for both Lively and Baldoni, as well as for the broader debate surrounding sexual harassment and retaliation.
