Blake Lively Calls Justin Baldoni’s Lawsuit a PR Tactic
Blake Lively has officially requested that a judge dismiss the defamation case filed against her by Justin Baldoni. The legal dispute stems from a series of allegations and counterclaims following Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment during the filming of “It Ends With Us” in late 2024.
Lively, who filed a lawsuit against Baldoni for sexual harassment, is now facing a countersuit worth $400 million. However, Lively’s latest legal filing describes this countersuit as nothing more than a public relations tactic aimed at discrediting her for speaking out about the harassment.
The Battle for Public Perception
In her new legal filing, Lively claims that Baldoni’s countersuit is part of a larger “sinister campaign” orchestrated by Baldoni and his PR team to “bury” her reputation. She argues that the campaign aims to destroy her for simply seeking justice for the harassment she experienced.
Instagram | blakelively | Lively alleges Baldoni’s countersuit is a “sinister campaign” to destroy her reputation.
According to Lively’s legal team, California law prioritizes the protection of individuals’ right to speak out against workplace harassment, which is why they believe this countersuit should be dismissed.
California’s Assembly Bill 933 adds an important layer to this legal drama. The law stipulates that if a defamation lawsuit fails, the plaintiff may be required to pay the defendant’s legal fees and damages. This potentially catastrophic financial outcome adds pressure to Baldoni’s legal team as they attempt to move forward with their case.
The Allegations and the Role of PR
Lively’s legal memo also shines a light on the role of public relations in the dispute. She suggests that Baldoni’s legal strategy is a direct result of a larger public relations effort to manipulate public opinion against her. Reports indicate that a PR firm hired by Baldoni was behind a campaign aimed at tarnishing Lively’s image.
One of the PR experts, Melissa Nathan, was quoted as saying, “We can bury anyone.” This comment suggests a deliberate strategy to damage Lively’s public standing.
This alleged smear campaign gained momentum in 2024, coinciding with the public reception of “It Ends With Us.” Critics began accusing Lively of minimizing the sensitive issues of domestic violence portrayed in the film. At the same time, a resurfaced interview clip from an older interview made its rounds online, depicting Lively in an unflattering light.
In stark contrast, Justin Baldoni was celebrated by many as a “feminist ally” who was praised for his involvement in projects that champion women’s rights.
The Connection to #MeToo
The unfolding situation between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni bears a resemblance to the infamous legal battle between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. In that case, Heard was accused of defamation by Depp after she publicly shared her experiences of abuse. The jury sided with Depp, awarding him significant damages. Interestingly, Baldoni hired the same PR manager who worked with Depp during his defamation case, signaling a deliberate choice to employ a similar strategy in defending his reputation.
Instagram | deuxmoi | Similar to the Heard-Depp trial, the Lively-Baldoni scenario presents a comparable public dispute.
Heard, who has been vocal about the dangers of public shaming and online harassment, recently commented on the ongoing case. She emphasized the destructive nature of social media and how false narratives can quickly spread, making it difficult for the truth to catch up. Her remarks highlight the broader issues at play, as both Lively and Heard seem to be facing similar challenges in their quest to be heard.
The Legal Battle Ahead
As it stands, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are set to face off in court in March 2026. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching consequences not only for their personal lives but also for how defamation cases involving public figures are handled in the future. For now, Lively’s legal team continues to push for the dismissal of Baldoni’s defamation countersuit, while Baldoni’s team remains firm in their pursuit of the case.
As the trial date approaches, many are watching closely, not only for the legal outcome but also for the broader implications this case could have on public relations, social media influence, and the ways in which accusations of sexual harassment and defamation are handled in Hollywood and beyond.
In the end, this case underscores the power of public perception and the role that media campaigns can play in shaping narratives. Whether or not Baldoni’s lawsuit succeeds, the impact of this battle will likely be felt long after the courtroom drama concludes.