Blake Lively’s Claims of Smear Campaign by Co-Star Gain Support in Publicist’s Lawsuit
New York – A new lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni’s former publicist, Stephanie Jones, has bolstered Blake Lively’s allegations of a smear campaign orchestrated against her by the “It Ends With Us” director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit, lodged in a New York state court in Manhattan on Tuesday, sheds light on the intricate web of events that unfolded behind the scenes of the romantic drama’s production.
Details of the Lawsuit
Jones, who started representing Baldoni in 2017, claimed that Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer, escalated their efforts to tarnish Lively’s reputation as the film was released in August. The lawsuit alleged that publicists were enlisted to “bury” and “destroy” Lively, fearing that accusations of misogynistic and toxic on-set behavior might mar Baldoni’s career prospects. The suit sought unspecified damages from Baldoni, Wayfarer, and Jennifer Abel, an ex-employee accused of spearheading the campaign against Lively.
Allegations and Text Messages
The lawsuit also accused Abel of pilfering over 70 sensitive business documents and client leads from Jonesworks before departing to launch her publicity firm, taking Baldoni and Wayfarer as clients. Additionally, Abel reportedly collaborated with Melissa Nathan, a crisis management expert, to manipulate media narratives detrimental to Lively and Jones. Text messages retrieved from Abel’s company phone purportedly shed light on the orchestrated efforts to undermine Lively’s image.
Response and Counterclaims
In response to the lawsuit, Abel emphasized her desire to part ways amicably with Jones and expressed her commitment to maintaining their relationship. On the other hand, Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, refuted Lively’s accusations of a coordinated smear campaign, attributing the studio’s decision to hire a crisis manager to Lively’s demands and threats during production.
The drama surrounding “It Ends With Us” has not only captivated the entertainment industry but also underscored the complexities and conflicts that can arise behind the scenes of a seemingly flawless production. As the legal battle unfolds, the public awaits further revelations that may shed light on the true nature of the relationships between the key players in this high-stakes drama.
