Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, is calling out Ryan Reynolds for allegedly attempting to remove himself from a $400 million lawsuit that links him to serious defamation claims. The case, filed by Baldoni, accuses Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, of orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
Freedman criticized Reynolds’ legal move, saying he was trying to escape accountability. He insisted that Reynolds was not merely a supportive spouse but an active participant in damaging Baldoni’s reputation. According to Freedman, the actor’s involvement in the alleged scheme was well-documented and extended far beyond what his legal team suggested.
Reynolds’ attorneys recently filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that Baldoni’s claims had no legal merit. The motion emphasized that Reynolds had a right to express his opinion under the First Amendment, even if those opinions labeled Baldoni a “predator.”
Reynolds Faces Backlash for Defamation Defense
In a strongly worded statement, Freedman said Reynolds’ dismissal attempt was a calculated move to avoid facing the consequences of his alleged role. He compared Reynolds’ actions to lighting a fire and then trying to escape unscathed. He also accused the Deadpool & Wolverine star of making light of the situation by joking about his legal troubles in public appearances.
Reynolds’ legal team pushed back, arguing that defamation claims require proof that statements were made with reckless disregard for the truth. They maintained that Reynolds genuinely believed Baldoni was a predator and that his statements should be protected as personal opinion. The court filing also referenced complaints from Lively, who previously accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation.
A spokesperson for Reynolds dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit as an attempt to discredit a man known for standing up for women. They said the allegations were nothing more than a desperate attempt to salvage Baldoni’s public image.
The Legal Battle Intensifies
Baldoni’s lawsuit, filed in January, claims that Reynolds and Lively engaged in a coordinated effort to destroy his career. The It Ends With Us director alleged that Reynolds directly influenced talent agency WME to cut ties with him after spreading damaging accusations at a 2024 movie premiere. WME, however, denied being pressured, stating Baldoni’s dismissal was unrelated to Reynolds’ comments.
With both sides firmly standing their ground, the lawsuit is shaping up to be one of Hollywood’s most high-profile legal battles. Baldoni and Lively are set to face off in court in 2026, while Reynolds’ legal team continues to push for an early dismissal.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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