Overview

In a dramatic turn of events, talent agency WME has firmly denied claims that actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively pressured them into dropping Justin Baldoni from their roster. This statement comes shortly after the agency severed ties with Baldoni just ahead of Christmas, amidst escalating allegations between Baldoni and Lively involving serious accusations of sexual harassment and reputational sabotage.

Lawsuit Against the New York Times

The conflict intensified when Baldoni filed a lawsuit against the New York Times, which covered Lively's legal allegations. Baldoni asserted that the Times colluded with Lively's team to propagate a misleading narrative using selectively chosen communications that distorted the truth and ignored conflicting evidence. This lawsuit was lodged in Los Angeles Superior Court on a Tuesday, not long after Lively had filed her own complaint.

Baldoni's Allegations

Baldoni's legal documents allege that Reynolds approached his agent during the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' premiere, purportedly demanding that Baldoni be dropped. The lawsuit claims, "The wielding of power and influence became undeniable," suggesting that Baldoni began to fear the repercussions of Lively and Reynolds' potential influence over his career and private life.

WME's Response

In response to this serious allegation, WME categorically stated, "In Baldoni's filing, there is a claim that Reynolds pressured Baldoni's agent at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere. This is not true.” The agency clarified that Baldoni’s prior representative was not even present at the event in question and firmly denied that any pressure was exerted by either Reynolds or Lively regarding Baldoni's status as a client.

Ongoing Legal Battles

The swift decision to part ways with Baldoni on December 21 came just hours after news broke about Lively's accusations against him, sparking a legal battle that continues to unfold. Both actors are embroiled in lawsuits: Baldoni claims that Lively is harassing him with unfounded accusations, while Lively is asserting that Baldoni's team orchestrated a smear campaign against her following her allegations of misconduct.

Details of Lively's Lawsuit

In her own lawsuit, Lively outlines several troubling interactions with Baldoni, including instances where he reportedly suggested adding a graphic sex scene without her consent and made inappropriate comments about her personal life with Reynolds. She also describes an unsettling incident during filming when a producer allegedly entered her trailer while she was partially undressed, against her wishes.

Concerns About Professionalism

Lively's lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court, further emphasizes her concerns about Baldoni's behavior before filming began on their collaborative project, "It Ends With Us." She expressed apprehensions regarding him improvising intimacy scenes without prior discussion, raising alarms about the absence of an intimacy coordinator on set.

Conclusion

This unfolding drama serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges within Hollywood, particularly surrounding issues of consent and professionalism. As both lawsuits progress, the public remains captivated by the legal battles of these high-profile stars, raising questions about the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry. Stay tuned for updates on this story that continues to shock and captivate fans alike!