Ryan Reynolds Moves to Dismiss Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Defamation Lawsuit

March 19, 2025: The legal battle between Ryan Reynolds and Justin Baldoni has taken a new turn, as Reynolds has officially filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit. The dispute stems from allegations that Reynolds referred to Baldoni as a “predator,” a claim that Baldoni argues has severely impacted his career.

Background of the Lawsuit

The tension between the two actors originated during the production of It Ends with Us, a 2024 film directed by Baldoni and starring Blake Lively. Reports surfaced that Lively had accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior, which led to legal action against him. Baldoni, in turn, claimed that Reynolds, Lively, and their publicist, Leslie Sloan, orchestrated a campaign to damage his reputation.

Baldoni’s lawsuit alleges that Reynolds’ comments about him—allegedly made in private conversations—led a talent agency to sever ties with him, causing major professional setbacks. In response, he filed a defamation lawsuit, arguing that the remarks were not only false but also malicious.

Reynolds’ Legal Response

Reynolds’ legal team has pushed back strongly, calling Baldoni’s lawsuit baseless. In their filing, they argue that any statements Reynolds made about Baldoni were expressions of opinion, which are protected under the First Amendment. They also claim that Baldoni’s lawsuit is simply an attempt to “salve his wounds” after facing professional criticism.

Furthermore, Reynolds’ lawyers emphasize that his remarks were in response to the allegations made by Lively. They argue that Reynolds had every right to support his wife, especially given the accusations she made against Baldoni.

The Growing Legal Battle

This lawsuit is just one of several legal disputes currently surrounding Baldoni. In addition to suing Reynolds, Baldoni has also taken legal action against The New York Times for defamation, further complicating the ongoing legal drama.

As the court reviews Reynolds’ motion to dismiss, the case continues to draw widespread attention in Hollywood. The outcome could have significant implications for both Baldoni and Reynolds, as well as for the broader entertainment industry.

With tensions running high, all eyes remain on the courtroom as the legal battle unfolds.