Justin Baldoni’s publicist Jennifer Abel has reportedly left her previous employer amid “bullying” allegations, which coincided with an alleged smear campaign against Blake Lively over the summer.
The controversy deepened when Baldoni’s former publicist filed a lawsuit for defamation and breach of contract against Abel and Baldoni’s crisis management team, including his production company Wayfarer Studios and crisis manager Melissa Nathan.
The legal battle comes as Baldoni also faces a lawsuit from Lively, who accuses him of sexual harassment and a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation following alleged abuse on the set of It End’s With Us .
A source close to Abel told Wrap She left the public relations firm Jonesworks, where she was once a partner, due to the toxic work environment.
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Baldoni’s publicist calls for resignation due to workplace ‘bullying’
Abel reportedly cited “bullying” as the reason for his departure and claimed it was directed at his co-worker Matthew Mitchell. Abel eventually started his own firm, RWA Communications, after resigning on July 10, with his departure on August 23. However, she was reportedly fired by Jonesworks on August 21 after allegations emerged that she had stolen documents and customer information.
Jonesworks, led by Stephanie Jones, has since filed a lawsuit against Abel, alleging breach of contract and defamation. Jones claims that Abel secretly contacted clients and took over 70 documents from the firm to pave the way for his departure. “Jennifer tendered her resignation in July and agreed to remain in the position until August 23. She was quickly terminated after Jonesworks discovered she had stolen more than 70 documents,” he said. “
However, an Abel insider refuted these claims, saying, “They were not ‘stolen’, nor were any other customers.” Abel’s team claims the lawsuit is retaliatory after Baldoni and other clients transferred to his new firm.
In an email received by WrapAbel’s resignation letter acknowledged, “I take full responsibility for my role in all of this. I’m not proud of how emotional I get in these situations.”
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Earlier this year, speculation of a feud between Lively and Baldoni surfaced while promoting It End’s With Us. Lively’s subsequent lawsuit accused Baldoni of misconduct and retaliation. An exposé in The New York Times detailed allegations of Baldoni’s inappropriate behavior and efforts to defame Lively. Baldoni has denied all allegations.
