A legal showdown between actor Justin Baldoni and Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds is heating up after Reynolds filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit. The conflict, which stems from behind-the-scenes issues during the production of It Ends With Us, has now sparked a war of words between the two parties, with Baldoni’s legal team strongly opposing Reynolds’ attempt to have the case dismissed.
Reynolds, 48, filed a motion on Tuesday, March 18, arguing that Baldoni’s defamation claims were legally invalid. The actor’s legal team, led by attorneys Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, stated that the lawsuit had no merit, asserting that Baldoni’s claim about Reynolds allegedly calling him a “predator” could not be considered defamatory unless it could be shown that Reynolds didn’t believe the statement was true.
But Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, didn’t hold back in his response. In a scathing statement, Freedman called Reynolds’ motion “arrogant” and accused the Deadpool star of attempting to dismiss the case despite his “publicly documented involvement” in the ongoing controversy.
“Mr. Reynolds was a key player in the scheme,” Freedman said, referring to what he describes as a coordinated smear campaign against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios. “Mr. Reynolds’ fingerprints have been all over this smear campaign since day one.”
Freedman further emphasized that Reynolds’ attempt to downplay the allegations as “hurt feelings” sends the wrong message, one that could potentially normalize bullying. “After lighting a match, Mr. Reynolds now seeks to run from the flames. It won’t work. The Wayfarer Parties’ claims against him are real, and they are serious,” Freedman continued. “Mr. Reynolds can appear on as many sketch shows as he wants and feebly try to make light of his current situation, but we will not stop until he is held accountable for his actions.”
The Lawsuit and Backstory
The lawsuit, which was originally filed in January, accuses Reynolds, his wife Blake Lively, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane’s PR firm Vision PR Inc. of engaging in a defamation campaign. Baldoni, 41, claims that Reynolds and the others made false and damaging statements during the production of It Ends With Us, a film based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. The lawsuit was filed after a series of behind-the-scenes disputes reportedly took place on set, with Baldoni alleging that a smear campaign was launched to damage his reputation.
Baldoni’s complaint focuses on a statement allegedly made by Reynolds, where the Deadpool star reportedly referred to Baldoni as a “predator.” According to Baldoni’s team, Reynolds made the comment in private, but it has had far-reaching consequences.
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Reynolds’ legal team, however, argues that the statement can’t be considered defamation unless it is proven that Reynolds didn’t genuinely believe it. They assert that Baldoni’s lawsuit fails to show that Reynolds didn’t believe his own statement, adding that this aspect of the case should be dismissed.
“[Baldoni’s] complaint doesn’t allege that. In fact, it suggests the opposite: that Mr. Reynolds genuinely believes Mr. Baldoni is a predator,” said Reynolds’ attorneys in a statement on March 18. They also invoked the First Amendment, asserting that Reynolds is within his rights to express his personal opinions about Baldoni.
Blake Lively’s Involvement
The legal battle takes another twist with the involvement of Reynolds’ wife, actress Blake Lively, who has also been named in Baldoni’s defamation suit. Lively filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni and the production company in December 2024. In her complaint, Lively accused Baldoni, It Ends With Us producer Jamey Heath, and others at Wayfarer Studios of sexual harassment and retaliation, alleging a coordinated effort to destroy her public image.
Lively’s lawsuit claims that after she voiced concerns about the film’s production, a smear campaign was launched against her, further complicating the web of allegations between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds. As a result, the legal entanglements between the parties have drawn intense public scrutiny, with both Baldoni and Lively preparing for lengthy trials.
The Current Legal Landscape
The lawsuits involving Lively and Baldoni are scheduled to go to trial in March 2026. In February, both parties opted out of pre-trial mediation, calling it “inappropriate” and “premature.” This indicates that the legal battle is far from over and may continue to generate significant media attention as it progresses through the courts.
Lively’s case, which also involves her publicist Leslie Sloane, focuses on allegations of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us. Lively claims that the harassment led to a series of retaliatory actions, including the public smear campaign that she believes was aimed at destroying her reputation.
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Meanwhile, Baldoni’s case centers on the claims that Reynolds, Lively, and others intentionally sought to damage his career and public standing. Both cases appear to be headed toward a protracted and contentious trial.
Public Reactions and the Impact on Hollywood
As the lawsuits continue to unfold, the legal drama has already captured the attention of the public, with many questioning the ethics of behind-the-scenes conflicts in Hollywood. The high-profile nature of the individuals involved—Reynolds, Lively, and Baldoni—has only amplified the stakes, and the legal battle is poised to have significant implications not just for the parties involved, but for the broader entertainment industry.
In a rare move for Hollywood, the personal and professional lives of these A-list celebrities have become the subject of public scrutiny. Fans have expressed mixed opinions on social media, with some supporting Baldoni’s claims and others questioning whether Reynolds’ actions warrant the level of legal action being pursued.
While many fans have rallied behind the stars involved, it’s clear that the ongoing lawsuits will likely impact their public images for years to come. The situation highlights the complexities of fame, public relations, and the lengths to which some in Hollywood will go to protect their reputations.
