Ryan Reynolds is currently seeking to have a $400 million defamation lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni dismissed. Reynolds' legal team contends that calling Baldoni a "predator" constitutes a "constitutionally protected opinion" and does not meet the criteria for defamation. The motion to dismiss was submitted in Manhattan federal court and claims that Baldoni's allegations are primarily based on two instances where Reynolds reportedly labeled him as such.
Reynolds argues that Baldoni's feelings of hurt do not provide sufficient grounds for a legal claim. According to the motion, Baldoni's lawsuit does not present credible evidence to suggest that Reynolds did not genuinely believe his statements about Baldoni's behavior. The court documents assert that expressing this opinion is legally permissible.
The background of the case includes a sexual harassment suit filed by Blake Lively, Reynolds' wife, against Baldoni, stemming from incidents related to their collaboration on the film "It Ends With Us." Lively's lawsuit alleges that Baldoni and his associates retaliated against her after she brought forward her accusations.
Baldoni countersued Reynolds and Lively, claiming defamation. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated that Reynolds was more than just a supportive spouse and played a significant role in a campaign to damage Baldoni's reputation and career.
Reynolds' attorneys maintain that the lawsuit lacks factual substance and amounts to an exaggerated account of grievances. They emphasize Reynolds' First Amendment rights to express his opinions regarding Baldoni, especially in light of the allegations made by Lively. As the legal proceedings continue, both parties remain engaged in a contentious dispute.