Actor and director Justin Baldoni is preparing to file a countersuit against Blake Lively following her recent legal action accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign during the production of It Ends With Us.
According to Deadline, Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman plans to submit the countersuit once the courts reopen after the New Year, hinting that the legal response will reveal startling details. “When we file our first lawsuit, it is going to shock everyone who has been manipulated into believing a demonstrably false narrative,” Freedman stated.
Freedman contends that Lively’s allegations are fabricated and part of a calculated attempt to revive her public image. He suggests that Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, played a key role in planting damaging stories about Baldoni in the media.
The countersuit will reportedly argue that WhatsApp messages cited in Lively’s initial complaint were presented out of context, altering their intended meaning. Additionally, Baldoni’s team claims Lively’s legal action is an effort to deflect from negative press she received during the film’s promotional campaign.
Lively’s original complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department, accuses Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and others of creating a hostile work environment and conducting a coordinated effort to tarnish her reputation.
The actress has garnered significant public support since filing the lawsuit. Her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars – America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel – released a joint statement of solidarity on Instagram.
"As Blake's friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation," they wrote.
The trio praised Lively’s courage in advocating for a safe work environment during filming. "We are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice," they added. "Most upsetting is the exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety."
Their message highlighted the broader implications of Lively’s case, emphasizing that even powerful and well-connected women are not immune to retaliation. "We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."
Author Colleen Hoover, whose novel It Ends With Us inspired the film, also voiced her support for Lively. Hoover praised the actress for her integrity and bravery in pursuing legal action.
As the legal battle intensifies, the entertainment industry remains divided, with many watching closely to see how the case unfolds.