In the latest chapter of the ongoing drama between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has stated that he will be suing the Gossip Girl star, emphasizing that the suit will bring to light what he describes as “every single text message” between the two. The attorney’s bold statement was made in an interview with NBC News on January 2, 2025, marking another public escalation in a legal battle that has captivated Hollywood.
This legal dispute comes on the heels of Baldoni, 40, filing a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times on December 31, 2024, for libel and false light invasion of privacy. In his complaint, Baldoni accuses the newspaper of misrepresenting his involvement in a lawsuit filed by Lively against him, among others. The lawsuit centers around allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation made by Lively, 37, against Baldoni and his associates. In a move that has set tongues wagging, Freedman declared, “Absolutely…yes,” when asked if he would be suing Lively on behalf of his client.
Freedman was unyielding in his pursuit of transparency. “We plan to release every single text message between the two of them,” he asserted, suggesting that the full truth would soon be exposed in a court of law. He continued, “We want the truth to be out there… we want people to make their determination based on receipts.” The reference to “receipts” – a popular slang term for tangible proof or evidence – indicates that the legal team intends to reveal private communications that may shed new light on the allegations and counter-allegations swirling around both stars.
The accusations and legal actions between Baldoni and Lively have been building for several weeks. On the same day that Baldoni filed his suit against The New York Times, Lively filed her own legal action against him and several others, including Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios. The sexual harassment suit outlines claims of misconduct, emotional distress, breach of contract, and retaliation, asserting that Lively faced mistreatment in her professional environment, particularly on the set of It Ends With Us, a film directed by Baldoni.
In her statement to Us Weekly, Lively addressed the public nature of her lawsuit, saying, “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.” This statement reflects Lively’s desire to shed light on what she perceives as a deeper issue within Hollywood, where power dynamics can often tip the scales of justice.
As the legal skirmish continued to unfold, The New York Times issued its defense in response to Baldoni’s lawsuit. In a statement, the outlet maintained that its reporting was “meticulously and responsibly” carried out. The newspaper stood by its coverage, which involved the publication of what it described as “thousands of pages of original documents, including text messages and emails.” These documents, according to the paper, were integral to the accusations made by Lively against Baldoni.
In response, Freedman and his client have fiercely contested the authenticity of the materials used by the paper, particularly the text messages between Lively and Baldoni. Freedman has gone so far as to accuse The New York Times of orchestrating a “vicious smear campaign,” claiming that the paper was complicit in a narrative built to damage Baldoni’s public image. “In doing so, they pre-determined the outcome of their story,” Freedman argued, emphasizing his belief that the article was a calculated attempt to support Lively’s version of events.
Amid these accusations and counter-accusations, Freedman has repeatedly emphasized the need for full transparency. “We embrace the full truth – and have all of the communications to back it,” he proclaimed. This statement suggests that Baldoni and his legal team are prepared to mount a rigorous defense, using all available communications to challenge the narrative being put forward by Lively and her representatives.
Despite the animosity between the two parties, Freedman remains adamant that the legal process will determine the true nature of the relationship between Baldoni and Lively. As the battle intensifies, the public remains divided on what the truth actually is. Both sides have pledged to take the matter to court, where the full scope of the claims – including the text messages and other evidence – will likely be scrutinized.
This legal battle is more than just a feud between two Hollywood stars; it also highlights deeper issues at play within the entertainment industry. The involvement of The New York Times signals the increasing intersection of journalism and Hollywood power struggles. Both the media and the entertainment industry are increasingly under scrutiny for how they handle allegations of misconduct and the subsequent fallout.
As the litigation process unfolds, this case has the potential to shape not only the careers of Baldoni and Lively but also how future cases of misconduct are handled in the entertainment world. Will the public side with Lively, whose claims highlight a systemic issue within Hollywood, or will they back Baldoni, whose team insists that he is the victim of a smear campaign?
With both Baldoni and Lively digging in their heels, it’s clear that this legal drama is far from over. As Freedman prepares to release text messages and pursue further legal action, both sides are poised for an ongoing battle that will likely continue to make headlines in the coming months. The outcome of this high-profile case may not only have significant implications for the individuals involved but could also send a message to other celebrities and power players in Hollywood about how to navigate accusations of misconduct in an era where the line between truth and perception is increasingly blurred.
Stay tuned as this legal showdown unfolds – the public is waiting to see who will come out on top.