Blake Lively Seeks to Dismiss $400 Million Lawsuit
Blake Lively has requested the dismissal of Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit. This decision follows just two days after her husband, Ryan Reynolds, filed a similar request with the court.
Legal Basis for Dismissal
In her motion to dismiss, Lively’s attorneys referenced a California statute that shields individuals from retaliatory lawsuits when they report sexual harassment or misconduct allegations. If the dismissal is successful, Baldoni may be liable for covering Reynolds and Lively’s legal costs.
Attorney’s Statement on the Lawsuit
Attorneys Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson condemned the lawsuit as a significant misuse of legal proceedings that should not be entertained in federal court. They highlighted California’s law against suing those who challenge sexual harassment or retaliation, asserting that the lawsuit faces three major legal hurdles, including privileges related to litigation and sexual harassment with a provision for mandatory fee shifts.
Lively’s Spokesperson Comments
A representative for Lively expressed that it is a “painful reality” that many, including Lively, face defamation lawsuits after speaking out about workplace sexual harassment. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of raising awareness regarding legal protections available to victims, particularly under California’s recent AB 933 law.
Details of the Motion
Lively’s motion criticizes Baldoni’s countersuit as “vengeful and rambling,” asserting it as an egregious misuse of the legal process. The document challenges Baldoni and his co-defendants’ claims regarding Lively’s motivations as contradictory and implausible.
Allegations of Misconduct During Filming
The motion reiterates several of Lively’s allegations concerning sexual harassment during the production of It Ends With Us. It claims Baldoni’s lawsuit admits to incidents related to Lively’s harassment claims, including the absence of an intimacy coordinator during a simulated nude scene.
Jenny Slate’s Response to Ongoing Drama
Jenny Slate, who starred alongside Baldoni in It Ends With Us, has avoided engaging in the controversy, only offering a statement of support for Lively. In a recent interview, she expressed a desire to focus on her upcoming series, Dying for Sex, rather than the ongoing legal issues involving Lively and Baldoni.
