The New York Times has moved to dismiss the $250 million defamation lawsuit filed against it by actor and director Justin Baldoni.
The lawsuit, which stems from a December 21 article, accuses the newspaper of publishing defamatory claims regarding allegations made by his It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively.
However, the publication argues that its reporting was responsible and legally protected under the principles of journalism.
The Basis of the Lawsuit
Baldoni’s defamation claim centers on an article that detailed Lively’s civil rights complaint against him.
The report alleged that Baldoni and his representatives engaged in a smear campaign against Lively after she raised concerns about his conduct on set.
In response, Baldoni has accused the publication of collaborating with Lively and her PR team to tarnish his reputation.
His lawsuit claims that the newspaper misrepresented facts and participated in an orchestrated effort to damage his standing in the industry. Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer, have also suggested that the publication played a role in fueling the ongoing legal and public dispute between him and Lively.
The NYT’s Defense and Motion to Dismiss
In its legal filing, the publication argues that Baldoni’s lawsuit lacks merit and is an attempt to drag the newspaper into his conflict with Lively. The motion states that the newspaper was simply fulfilling its journalistic duty by covering a matter of public interest. It describes Baldoni’s complaint as a “one-sided tale” intended for media attention rather than a legitimate legal argument.
A spokesperson for the publication defended its reporting, emphasizing that the article accurately covered Lively’s complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. She further accused Baldoni of using legal action to suppress legitimate journalism, calling his lawsuit a “misbegotten campaign” to discredit the news organization.
Lively’s Team Supports the NYT’s Motion
Following the newspaper’s request for dismissal, Lively’s representatives issued a statement aligning with the publication’s stance. They dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit as a public relations move rather than a valid legal case. Additionally, they pointed out the contradiction between Baldoni’s past advocacy for believing women and his current legal battle against Lively’s claims.
Lively’s amended complaint further accuses Baldoni and his financial backer, Steve Sorowitz, of employing a social media strategy to silence her and undermine media coverage of her allegations.
Baldoni’s Counterclaims and Legal Strategy
Baldoni’s legal team has made adjustments to their lawsuit, citing metadata from the publication’s website as evidence that the outlet had access to Lively’s complaint more than a week before publishing its report. They argue that this timeline contradicts the newspaper’s portrayal of events and demonstrates an intentional effort to shape the narrative in Lively’s favor.
His defamation lawsuit was filed on the same day that Lively took legal action against him and his production company. The legal battle escalated further when Wayfarer countersued in mid-January, followed by the inclusion of the publication as a defendant two weeks later.
The Broader Implications of the Case
The ongoing legal dispute has sparked discussions about media responsibility, journalistic integrity, and the power dynamics in Hollywood. Baldoni’s claim suggests that publications must be held accountable when reporting on allegations, while the defense argues for the necessity of free press protections.
As the case moves forward, the court’s decision on whether to dismiss the lawsuit could set a precedent for how media outlets report on sensitive allegations involving high-profile figures. Whether Baldoni’s claims hold up in court or the publication’s motion for dismissal is granted, this legal battle is likely to have lasting implications for both journalism and the entertainment industry.
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