Despite its box office success, the production was mired in behind-the-scenes conflict. Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024 in New York federal court, accusing Baldoni and Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath of “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior,” seeking damages for emotional distress.
Media Coverage prior to Lawsuits Dismissed
Baldoni, Heath, and their publicists retaliated with a sweeping $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, citing defamation, invasion of privacy, and interference with business contracts.
Separately, Baldoni sued The New York Times for $250 million, alleging libel over its reporting on the dispute.
The article in question reported on Baldoni’s alleged campaign to damage Lively’s reputation.
In response to the lawsuit’s dismissal, Times spokesman Charlie Stadtlander stated the case was “a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting” and emphasized that the coverage was “carefully and fairly” handled.
Hollywood Dispute Ends in Courtroom
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed the defamation claims, ruling that Baldoni and his team failed to demonstrate that the allegedly defamatory statements were made with knowledge of their falsity—an essential requirement under defamation law.
