Justin Baldoni has dragged Taylor Swift into a heated legal battle with Blake Lively.
Justin Baldoni has dragged Taylor Swift into a heated legal battle with “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively.
Baldoni is suing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million in civil larceny, defamation and more — a reference to global pop star Swift.
The “Jane the Virgin” star’s lawsuit follows Lively’s, who accused the actress of sexual harassment while filming “It Ends With Us.” However, after Baldoni took control of the film, she accused Lively of “falsely” trying to repair her reputation following the fallout surrounding the film’s press tour.
In an attempt to show how Lively controlled the film’s production, Baldoni’s legal team used it to threaten the actress’ friendship with Swift. While working on the film, Lively insisted on rewriting the famous rooftop scene. Baldoni was hesitant about the idea, but told the 37-year-old actress that he would “look at what he collected,” according to the complaint.
Justin Baldoni Sues Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds For $400M
Afterward, Lively invited Baldoni to her New York City home, where the actor said Swift felt and urged Reynolds to use the rewritten scene. “Later, Baldoni felt obligated to send a message to Lively that he liked her pages and that she didn’t need Reynolds and her mega-famous friend to pressure him,” the complaint said.
“… I really like what you did. It helps a lot. It makes it more fun and interesting. I’m glad and (sic) we appreciate you doing this together,” Baldoni’s text read, according to the complaint.
Lively shared a lengthy response in which she referred to Swift and Reynolds as “dragons” protecting her.
“The message could not have been clearer. Baldoni was not only in contact with Lively. He was also facing Lively’s ‘dragons’, two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world, who were not afraid to make things difficult for him.”
“Both Ryan and[Redone]have established themselves as absolute titans as writers and storytellers outside of their main gigs — whether they’re just singing or acting or directing. I’m so lucky to have them as creative barometers,” Lively’s text, included in the complaint, read. . “But to have people who cheer me on and make sure I show up and deliver to the best of my ability. Because they know first-hand all the contributions I make. They also know I’m not always good at justifying my efforts. I see and use them for fear of egos or fear of touching the simplicity of the process — – So I guess I should stop worrying about the people who love me.
According to the lawsuit, Baldoni believed “the message could not be clearer.” “Baldoni wasn’t just dealing with Lively. He was also dealing with Lively’s ‘dragons’, some of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world, who weren’t afraid to make things too difficult.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Swift’s rep for comment.
Blac Lively’s ‘It Ends With Us’ Costars Brandon Skelnar, Jenni Slate ‘Admir Her Bravery’ Amid Trial
In a lawsuit filed Thursday and obtained by Fox News Digital, Baldoni accuses Lively of torturing him, his family and co-workers during the film’s production. The actor is asking for a jury trial and a $400 million verdict.
Baldoni’s legal team said Lively had no evidence of an intentional defamation campaign and instead worked to repair her reputation by accusing the actor and others of sexual harassment.
Lively “couldn’t tolerate for even a moment her tarnished image in public and couldn’t accept that it was completely her own,” the lawsuit read. “She needed a scapegoat. And instead of confessing to her own crimes and blaming the accusers, she chose to slander and publicly apologize.
“She and Reynolds waited for months, preparing to publicly attack Baldoni with lies and false accusations that she and Reynolds could not compel Baldoni and Wayfarer to read a statement she and her agents had prepared to prevent Lively’s actions from ‘taking responsibility’. He sexually harassed her.”
What are you reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Lively’s rep denied Baldoni’s allegations.
“This latest lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and his friends is another chapter in the guardianship playbook,” said a statement from Lively’s legal team. “It’s an age-old story: A woman comes forward with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation, and the abuser tries to turn the tables on the victim. This is what experts call DARVO. Denial. Abuse. Switch Victims.”
The statement continued in part: “Their response to sexual harassment allegations: She wanted it, it’s her fault. Their reasoning for why this happened to her: Look at what she’s wearing. In short, while the victim focuses on the abuse, the abuser focuses on the woman’s tactics. It’s disappointing, according to Ms. Lively’s complaint. It will not and will not refute the available evidence.
Click here to subscribe to the entertainment newsletter
A live list of allegations of sexual harassmentA complaint filed first with the California Department of Civil Rights and later in federal court by Baldoni and film producer Jamie Heath made allegations of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and more.
Issues allegedly discussed in an “all-hands” meeting prior to filming included not showing Lively nudity or images of women, not mentioning Baldoni’s past “pornography addiction,” his personal conversations with sex, no genitalia, adding sex scenes outside of the original script. Nope, no more discussions about Lively’s weight or deadbeat dad and more.
Baldoni’s attorney denied the allegations in a statement to The New York Times.
“These claims are completely false, offensive and deliberately salacious with the intention of publicly damaging and reshaping our narrative in the media,” he said.
Click here to access the FOX NEWS app