Ryan Reynolds Seeks Dismissal from Defamation Lawsuit
CNN
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Ryan Reynolds has filed a motion asking a judge to remove him as a defendant in Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit, asserting that Baldoni’s claims lack legal merit and merely stem from “hurt feelings.”
In documents submitted on Tuesday, which were acquired by CNN, Reynolds states that the basis of Baldoni’s lawsuit against him and his wife, Blake Lively, relies on Reynolds’ two alleged statements referring to Baldoni as a “predator.” The suit, however, fails to provide evidence that Reynolds did not believe these assertions.
The filing further contends that Reynolds genuinely believes Baldoni’s actions reflect predatory behavior, clarifying that describing someone as a “predator” constitutes a constitutional right to express an opinion. Reynolds’ attorneys assert that Baldoni’s alleged offense over a character from Reynolds’ film, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” does not support any legitimate legal claims and amounts to his claims of emotional distress.
Details of the Legal Conflict
The motion clarifies that while Blake Lively has sued Baldoni and his associates for sexual harassment and retaliation, Reynolds’ involvement is solely as a supportive spouse. The lawyers note that Reynolds is included in Baldoni’s suit because of remarks made by Steve Sarowitz, a defendant in Lively’s lawsuit, who was reportedly threatening to spend significant resources to damage the couple’s reputation.
Baldoni’s lawsuit accuses the couple of being involved in undermining his film “It Ends With Us” and claims Lively tried to take control of its creative direction without authorization. Furthermore, Baldoni alleges Reynolds reprimanded him during a home encounter and accused him of derogatory behavior towards Lively.
Responses and Future Implications
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, expressed that Reynolds’ actions exemplify a bullying tactic, disguising them as mere hurt feelings. Meanwhile, Reynolds’ legal team has asserted that their client holds a First Amendment right to voice his opinion about Baldoni, emphasizing their eagerness for the lawsuit to be dismissed. The legal battle, which has been ongoing since December when Lively initially accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, is set for trial in March 2026 if the dismissal motion is not approved.
