The New York Times is fighting a defamation lawsuit over its coverage of the ‘It Ends With Us’ controversy involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.
The New York Times is embroiled in a legal battle stemming from its coverage of allegations surrounding the making of the film “It Ends With Us.” The newspaper faces a defamation lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni, the film’s director and co-star, over an article titled “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.” This article detailed a sexual harassment and workplace retaliation complaint filed by Blake Lively against Baldoni. The lawsuit alleges that the New York Times conspired with Lively’s public relations team to publish a distorted narrative.
The article in question explored the complaint filed by Lively with the California Civil Rights Department, including internal communications between Baldoni, his publicist Jennifer Abel, and crisis public relations specialist Melissa Nathan. Baldoni claims the article is defamatory and that the New York Times acted improperly in its reporting.
NYT’s Defense and Motion to Dismiss
The New York Times has responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The paper argues that it engaged in standard newsgathering practices and that the article is a fair and accurate report of the events surrounding the “It Ends With Us” controversy. The Times claims that Baldoni and his team are attempting to “drag The Times into their larger feud with Lively.”
In its defense, the New York Times invokes fair report privilege, which protects news organizations from libel claims when accurately reporting on official documents. The paper emphasizes that the article relied on Lively’s complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department and that it included language indicating the allegations were based on the complaint. The Times also points out that it quoted extensively from texts and emails included in the complaint.
The Times’ motion highlights that its reporter, Megan Twohey, contacted Baldoni and his team, offering them the opportunity to comment on the allegations. The Times states that Abel provided a 307-word denial of the allegations from Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer and that this denial was included in the published article, along with a link to the full statement. The NYT claims no one requested additional time or information before publication.
Blake Lively’s Response
Blake Lively has voiced her support for the New York Times’ motion to dismiss the lawsuit. A spokesperson for Lively stated that the Times “correctly calls out Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit for what it is: a shameless PR document that has no business in a court of law.”
Lively’s spokesperson referenced allegations within Lively’s amended complaint, claiming Baldoni and his financial backer, Steve Sorowitz, used a “social media combat plan” to discredit her and the media reporting on the situation. She argues that these tactics will not hold up in court.
Background of the Lawsuit
Baldoni initially filed a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times, along with his publicists, on New Year’s Eve. This was the same day Lively sued Baldoni and his team. Baldoni’s lawsuit was later dropped in New York City. The New York Times was subsequently added to Lively’s amended complaint. The legal filings accuse the New York Times of receiving a copy of Lively’s complaint before it was officially filed. The suits also allege that the NYT neglected to investigate Lively’s allegations adequately and failed to include the full context of why Nathan was hired.
Statements from Involved Parties
Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokesperson for the New York Times, stated that the lawsuit “should never have been brought against The New York Times.” She emphasized that the paper informed the public about Lively’s complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, asserting that this action aligns with the role of news organizations. Rhoades Ha criticized Baldoni’s actions against the Times, stating that the legal challenge will not silence the paper.
As of the latest reports, a hearing date for the New York Times’ motion to dismiss has not been set.
Sources: https://deadline.com/2025/02/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-new-york-time-1236305764/
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/new-york-times-asks-to-dismiss-justin-baldoni-defamation-lawsuit-blake-lively-1236324186/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-york-times-justin-baldoni-defamation-lawsuit-1236151000/