Actor Justin Baldoni may have no option but to sue his co-star Blake Lively, an attorney who works with celebrities has told Newsweek.
Newsweek reached out to attorneys representing Lively and Baldoni via email for comment on Tuesday.
Why It Matters
Lively and Baldoni co-starred in the film It Ends With Us, which Baldoni also directed and which was released in August 2024.
If Baldoni countersues, it could shed light on the negative side of filmmaking that is often hidden by public relations specialists in Hollywood.
What To Know
Rumors had been circulating for at least six months about a conflict between Lively and Baldoni, even as they promoted the film together.
In December, Lively filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department, which offered valuable insight into her bitter dispute with Baldoni as well as the relationship between public relations companies and the Hollywood film industry.
She alleged Baldoni had sexually harassed her and launched a vindictive public campaign against her—claims that he strongly denies.
Wayne Dennison, who represented Johnny Depp in his successful lawsuit against his former partner, Amber Heard, told Newsweek that Baldoni may feel compelled to countersue.
"Baldoni's lawyers have suggested that a suit against Lively is in the works. Whether that suit actually materializes is an open question," he said.
Baldoni is already suing The New York Times for its coverage of Lively's lawsuit.
"There is substantial expense involved in simultaneously litigating separate suits against two extremely well-funded opponents while, at the same time, defending the case that Lively already brought against him," Dennison noted.
"Nevertheless, Baldoni appears to have had little choice here if he hopes to avoid being canceled," he said.
Dennison is co-chair of the Brown Rudnick law firm's brand and reputation management team, which works on defending the reputation of celebrities and businesspeople.
What People Are Saying
Blake Lively issued a statement after filing her complaint in which she hoped her legal team "helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics" that she allegedly witnessed on set.
Baldoni's lawyer said in a statement that Lively's suit was "intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media."
Author Colleen Hoover, who wrote the book on which the film It Ends With Us is based, posted a message on Instagram supporting Lively: "Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt," Hoover wrote. She included a link to an article about Lively's filings about Baldoni.
What Happens Next
Baldoni may sue Lively for defamation and breach of contract. However, as he was the director of the film, it is unlikely he will sue through California's Civil Rights Department and is more likely to sue in a California federal court.
Meanwhile, the California Civil Rights Department is examining Lively's complaint and will launch an investigation if it feels there are sufficient grounds to do so.
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