Premiere Tensions Surrounding It Ends With Us
Before the release of It Ends With Us, actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni managed to establish an uneasy agreement to avoid public criticism of one another, believing it was essential for the success of the film.
Publicist Controversy Unfolds
During this period, Stephanie Jones, who was the publicist for the film’s production company, allegedly contacted a reporter from Daily Mail regarding a story about a battling feud, contrary to Baldoni’s directives. This action was reportedly taken to alleviate concerns about her involvement in the public relations issues. Following this incident, Baldoni chose to leave Jones’ firm and join Jennifer Abel at her new PR agency. Jones subsequently took Abel’s phone, which contained confidential information about Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer, that became a key element in Lively’s lawsuit accusing Baldoni and his team of a smear campaign.
Legal Claims Emerge
Wayfarer is now pursuing claims against Jones for breach of contract, while Abel’s claims include fraud and invasion of privacy, among other allegations.
Defense and Counterclaims
Wayfarer’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated that Jones’ actions initiated a serious breach of privacy and trust among her clients. In contrast, Kristin Tahler, representing Jones, called the lawsuit from Wayfarer “a work of fiction” and accused Abel of conspiring with others to undermine Jones’ long-established business.
Litigation Details
The countersuit follows Jones’ own legal action against Baldoni and Abel for breach of contract and highlights the convoluted legal battle surrounding the film’s production and public relations management. Jones accused Abel of planning her exit from Jonesworks for months and alleged that Abel and her associates maliciously tarnished Jones’ professional reputation.
Culminating Events and Reactions
Wayfarer’s lawsuit paints a different picture of events leading to Lively’s public claims regarding misconduct during filming, attributing the breakdown of their relationship to Jones’ actions. Abel had been managing Wayfarer’s account for almost four years before company tensions escalated, leading to her notice of departure and subsequent legal conflict.
Confidential Information Dispute
Abel claims she was fired following Jones’ breach of an agreement made with Lively to maintain media harmony. Following Abel’s termination, Jones allegedly revealed confidential information to Lively’s publicist. Jones disputes these claims, asserting that the information was divulged under a subpoena rather than voluntarily.
