Tv & Film
Justin Baldoni Claims Blake Lively Plotted Defamation with NYT
Justin Baldoni Accuses Blake Lively of Plotting with NYT in Amended $400 Million Defamation Suit.,

Hollywood actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed an amended version of his explosive $400 million defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, claiming she conspired with The New York Times months in advance to damage his reputation.
The revised legal filing, submitted late Friday, alleges that Lively secretly coordinated with the publication, giving it privileged access to her sexual harassment complaint long before it was officially filed with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20. According to Baldoni’s legal team, this collaboration allowed The New York Times to meticulously prepare a comprehensive 4,000-word article titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine,” which was published the very next day.
Evidence of a Months-Long Conspiracy?
A key piece of evidence highlighted in the amended complaint stems from metadata discovered within the online version of The New York Times article. Internet sleuths and investigative reporters from DailyMail.com identified embedded data suggesting that work on the article began as early as October 31, 2024—nearly two months before Lively officially lodged her complaint.
One notable clue includes a composite ‘topper’ image featuring Baldoni and Lively, co-stars in the film It Ends with Us, which carried a digital timestamp of ‘2024-12-16.’ More damningly, a technical feature labeled as a ‘message-embed-generator’ within the article’s source code reportedly bore the date ‘2024-10-31,’ implying that The New York Times had already begun constructing the piece well in advance of the legal filing.
“The simpler explanation is that The New York Times had already begun building its defamatory article no later than October 31, 2024,” the lawsuit alleges. “This included developing sophisticated graphic modules to prominently feature misleadingly edited and context-stripped text messages.”
Promotional Material Adds to the Suspicion
Adding fuel to the fire, Baldoni’s legal team points to a promotional video created by The New York Times to accompany the article. This video, designed to entice readers, boldly claimed: “This story reveals a new playbook for waging a far-reaching and largely undetectable smear campaign in the digital age.” Interestingly, the URL associated with the video contains a date of December 12, 2024—eight days before Lively’s official complaint.
Baldoni’s attorneys argue that such pre-produced content strips away typical legal protections enjoyed by journalists, such as the litigation privilege and fair reporting privilege. “The timing of these elements indicates that Lively and The New York Times engaged in a calculated effort to defame Baldoni, negating the legal shields that might otherwise protect their actions,” the complaint states.
A Timeline of Tumultuous Relations
The amended lawsuit delves deeper into the timeline of Baldoni and Lively’s professional relationship, stretching back to January 1, 2019. This was when Baldoni first contacted bestselling author Colleen Hoover about adapting her novel It Ends with Us into a feature film.
Baldoni, 40, and Lively, 37, initially showcased strong on-screen chemistry during the production of the film, which tackled sensitive themes like domestic violence and emotional abuse. The adaptation turned out to be a surprise box office hit, grossing over $351 million worldwide. However, behind the scenes, tensions reportedly escalated as Lively allegedly pushed for greater creative control and expressed discomfort during intimate scenes with Baldoni.
While the film’s success painted a picture of harmony, the reality was far different. Lively was the first to initiate legal action, filing a complaint that accused Baldoni of inappropriate on-set behavior. Her allegations triggered a media frenzy, fueled by The New York Times' in-depth article, which painted Baldoni in an overwhelmingly negative light.
Baldoni’s Counterclaims
In response to Lively’s complaint, Baldoni filed his original $400 million defamation lawsuit, which has now been expanded with new evidence. The updated complaint includes detailed correspondence between Baldoni, Lively, and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. It also documents every major event in the ongoing legal saga, from the initial film discussions to the public fallout following the harassment allegations.
Baldoni claims that Lively’s accusations were part of a larger smear campaign designed to undermine his career and personal reputation. “This was not just about creative differences or on-set disputes,” his legal team argues. “This was a calculated effort to destroy a man’s life and career under the guise of a #MeToo-style takedown.”
The Legal Implications
Legal experts suggest that the case could have far-reaching implications, particularly concerning the relationship between public figures, the media, and legal protections for journalistic practices. If Baldoni’s claims are substantiated, it could open the door to lawsuits challenging the boundaries of fair reporting and defamation law in the digital age.
“What makes this case unique is the allegation that The New York Times was actively involved in crafting a narrative before any legal complaint was even filed,” says media law expert Dr. Karen Simmons. “If true, it raises serious questions about journalistic ethics and potential collusion.”
As the legal battle unfolds, both Baldoni and Lively remain tight-lipped publicly. Their legal teams, however, continue to trade barbs through court filings and media statements. The next court hearing is scheduled for later this year, where both parties are expected to present new evidence supporting their claims.
In the meantime, the case has captivated Hollywood and the public alike, offering a glimpse into the often murky waters where celebrity, media, and the law collide.

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