WEBDESK: Ryan Reynolds has filed a motion to dismiss his involvement in a $400 million defamation lawsuit brought by actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit stems from allegations made by Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us. In response, Baldoni sued Lively, Reynolds, and The New York Times, claiming they orchestrated a defamation campaign against him.
In his legal filing, Ryan Reynolds argued that calling Baldoni a “predator” is protected under the First Amendment as a constitutionally valid opinion. His legal team emphasized that Baldoni himself has spoken publicly about past behaviors, which Reynolds’ attorneys believe support the use of such language. They maintain that Reynolds’ statements do not meet the legal criteria for defamation.
Reynolds, who claims he was unfairly pulled into the case, described himself in his motion as a “supportive spouse” who witnessed the “emotional, reputational, and financial devastation” Lively suffered.
Additionally, Reynolds rejected Baldoni’s claim that a satirical character in Deadpool & Wolverine – which Baldoni alleges was based on him – has any relevance to the case, dismissing it as “thin-skinned outrage” over a fictional persona.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, strongly opposed the dismissal request, accusing Ryan Reynolds of trying to evade accountability. Freedman claims Reynolds played a major role in damaging Baldoni’s reputation and career through alleged defamatory remarks. He insists that the case should proceed in court.
The lawsuit has drawn significant media attention, as both Ryan Reynolds and Justin Baldoni are well-known Hollywood figures. As the legal battle unfolds, the court’s decision on Reynolds’ motion to dismiss will play a key role in determining the future of the case.
For now, Ryan Reynolds continues to defend his stance, while Baldoni remains firm in his claims of defamation. The outcome of this high-profile case could have lasting implications for defamation lawsuits involving public figures in the entertainment industry.
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