Justin Baldoni’s legal team is firmly opposing Ryan Reynolds’ attempt to have the ongoing lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the actor should remain a key figure in the case.
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly on April 3, Baldoni’s attorneys contend that Reynolds is minimizing his involvement in the situation and attempting to distance himself from the legal proceedings.
The legal filing asserts that Ryan Reynolds has downplayed his role in the matter, claiming that the Wayfarer Parties’ First Amended Complaint (the “FAC”) fails to establish any real grounds for his involvement. “Ryan Reynolds pretends that the FAC fails to set forth any basis for his liability and that he merely acted as a supportive spouse. Not so,” the filing emphasized.
Baldoni’s legal team further contends that the FAC provides substantial evidence to support the claims against Reynolds, asserting that his direct actions and his potential liability as a co-conspirator warrant his inclusion in the case. The filing suggests that Baldoni’s team has presented significant facts that support the lawsuit and make it clear that Reynolds cannot simply dismiss the claims against him.
In addition to their opposition to the motion, Baldoni’s lawyers argue that if Reynolds’ motion for dismissal is granted, he should not be entitled to recover any attorneys’ fees, indicating that Baldoni’s team feels strongly about the legitimacy of their claims.
In response, a spokesperson for Ryan Reynolds addressed the latest developments in the case, highlighting what they believe are the flaws in Baldoni’s legal arguments. The spokesperson stated that the Wayfarer Parties’ opposition reveals the deficiencies in their complaint, particularly with their vague claims of defamation. “They claim defamation without specifying who was defamed, what was said, or how any harm occurred,” the statement read.
The spokesperson also made pointed remarks about Justin Baldoni, contrasting Reynolds’ actions with Baldoni’s public persona. “Unlike Mr. Baldoni, who built his brand pretending to be a man ‘confident enough to listen’ to the women in his life, Ryan Reynolds actually is that man,” the statement stated. It went on to emphasize that Reynolds will continue to support his wife, Blake Lively, as she stands up against the harassment she has faced.
This legal battle, which began in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and a subsequent smear campaign, continues to unfold with heightened tensions. As the case progresses, both parties remain steadfast in their positions, with the outcome still uncertain.