Washington: Actor and director Justin Baldoni is preparing to file a counter-suit against Blake Lively following her recent legal complaint accusing him of sexual harassment and a smear campaign during the production of ‘It End’s With Us’.
Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Brian Friedman, is now planning to file a counter-complaint, claiming it will “shock everyone” and expose the true story behind the allegations, Deadline reports.
Friedman claims Lively’s allegations are false and part of a strategy to rebuild her image, suggesting that her publicist, Leslie Sloane, conducted a smear campaign against Baldoni.
The counter-suit will be filed by attorney Brian Friedman when the courts reopen after the New Year holidays, Deadline reports.
Brian Friedman, quoted by Deadline, said, “I’m not going to talk about when or how many lawsuits we’re filing, but when we file our first lawsuit, it will shock everyone who has seen it.” Have been led to believe a clearly false story.”
The ‘It End’s With Us’ actress has received widespread support from her co-stars and the film fraternity after she filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
According to Deadline report, the claims presented in the countersuit say that WhatsApp messages have been presented out of context in a way that changes their meaning. It also says Lively’s publicist planted stories with news organizations to tarnish Baldoni’s image.
It also said Blake Lively’s legal action was a strategy by the actress to rebuild her public image after receiving bad press during the film’s promotional campaign.
According to Deadline, Blake Lively has accused Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and others of misconduct and sexual harassment, as well as a “coordinated effort to destroy her reputation.”
The actress is receiving widespread support for her lawsuit.
Blake’s ‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ co-stars – America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel – have publicly expressed their support for the actor.
A day after Lively filed a formal complaint detailing her experiences during the filming of ‘It End’s With Us,’ the trio shared a joint message on Instagram on Sunday. The complaint accuses Baldoni of a coordinated effort to create a hostile work environment and harm his reputation.
“As Blake’s friend and sister for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights against this alleged campaign to destroy her reputation,” they wrote.
“Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we watched her muster the courage to demand a safe workplace for herself and her co-workers on set, and we were appalled by what she described as a premeditated and retaliatory effort to discredit her voice. Shocking to read the evidence. What is most disturbing is that the stories of domestic violence victims are being blatantly exploited to silence a woman seeking protection.
“We are appalled by the reality that even a woman as strong, distinguished, and resourceful as our friend Blake can face tremendous retaliation if she dares to demand a safe working environment. We are doing our part to stand up to this.” Myself and others are inspired by sister’s courage,” he said.
The post was signed by Ferreira, Tamblyn, and Bledel. Ferrera and Tamblyn also shared the message on their personal Instagram accounts
Author Colleen Hoover also expressed her support for Lively, who starred in the adaptation of Baldoni’s 2016 novel, It End’s With Us. Hoover expressed his admiration for the actress’ honesty and character following her decision to file the lawsuit.
