Justin Baldoni escalates Blake Lively feud with website plans

Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni is reportedly handling his ongoing dispute with the actress Blake Lively to the next level by planning to launch a dedicated website aimed at substantiating his allegations against her.

The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two stars, with Justin Baldoni reportedly looking to present detailed evidence and narratives to back up his claims against Blake Lively.

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Justin Baldoni hits back at Blake Lively's claims

Justin Baldoni at the premiere of Lionsgate's 'Five Feet Apart'
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int'l. / MEGA

The legal battle between Baldoni and Lively continues to escalate, with Baldoni filing a $400 million lawsuit against the actress-producer husband on January 16 Ryan Reynoldsand their publicist. The lawsuit alleges defamation, extortion and other claims, following Lively's initial sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni.

The "Jane the Virgin" alum also previously sued The New York Times on Dec. 31, for defamation, false invasion of privacy and other complaints related to an article that covered Lively's allegations and an alleged retaliatory smear campaign.

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New behind-the-scenes footage reveals more details

Blake Lively at the 13th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala 2024
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

In response to Lively's December 20 sexual harassment complaint, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, posted a behind-the-scenes video from the set of the 2024 hit film "It Ends With Us". The footage was presented as evidence to counter some of Lively's claims, which include an allegation regarding an interaction during a "slow dance scene" on the set of "It Ends With Us."

According to the actress, Baldoni allegedly "leaned forward and slowly trailed his lips from her ear down her neck as he said, 'It smells so good.'" However, footage from the scene paints a different picture.

In the clip, Lively can be heard jokingly saying, "I'll probably spray tan you," to which Baldoni laughs and replies, "Smells good."

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Justin Baldoni is expected to launch the website

Justin Baldoni and wife at the premiere of Sony Pictures "Jumanji: The Next Level"
MEGA

Freedman's legal team said in a statement shared with PEOPLE Magazine: "Justin Baldoni and the team have nothing to hide, and this proves it once again."

Baldoni and his "It Ends With Us" co-stars, who are also named in Lively's lawsuit, are preparing additional defenses. According to his legal team, “Baldoni and other associates have the right to defend themselves with the truth. This is what we will continue to show on the upcoming website which contains all the correspondence as well as the relevant videos that refute her claims.”

The planned website is expected to serve as a public repository of evidence, including emails, text messages and videos, aimed at refuting Lively's allegations.

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Could more details emerge once Baldoni's website is live?

Justin Baldoni at the premiere of In Ends With Us
RCF / MEGA

Baldoni's countersuit against Lively and her associates also alleges that the "Gossip Girl" alum implied that he should consider plastic surgery to change his nose. In the same behind-the-scenes clip, both actors can be seen light-heartedly joking about Baldoni's nose, with Lively even jokingly mentioning plastic surgery.

As part of Baldoni's legal defense, his team announced plans to launch a website aimed at refuting Lively's claims. The site is expected to feature additional footage from the set of the Colleen Hoover adaptation, providing what Baldoni's team describes as further evidence to "disprove her claims."

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Blake Lively is suing Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively at the world premiere of the film 'It Ends with Us'
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Lively made serious allegations against her former co-star Baldoni, accusing him of repeated cases of sexual harassment during the filming of their latest project. The claims, detailed in Lively's lawsuit, allege inappropriate comments, requests for unnecessary nudity and even physical misconduct on set.

According to the lawsuit, one of the incidents involved Baldoni "discreetly biting and sucking on Ms. Lively's lower lip during a scene in which he improvised numerous kisses with each take." The legal filing further claims: “Mr. Baldoni insisted on filming the entire scene over and over again, far beyond what would be required on an ordinary set, and without prior notice or consent.”

The allegations extend beyond physical misconduct, as the suit also alleges that Baldoni "inserted impromptu gratuitous sexual content and/or scenes involving nudity (including minor characters) into the film in highly disturbing ways" without notifying Lively or obtaining her prior consent.



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