Hollywood's Legal Battle: Lively Strikes Back

Hollywood is buzzing with a high-stakes legal showdown. The spotlight is on Blake Lively, who is fighting back against a $400 million lawsuit. This move came right after her husband, Ryan Reynolds, took similar action. The lawsuit was filed by Justin Baldoni, who is accusing Lively of defamation. In response, Lively's legal team is using a California law to their advantage. This law shields individuals who speak out against sexual harassment or misconduct from retaliatory lawsuits. If Lively's motion succeeds, Baldoni and his associates might end up paying her legal fees. Lively's legal team is not holding back. They have called Baldoni's lawsuit "vengeful" and accused him of abusing the legal process. They also pointed out that Baldoni's claims are full of contradictions. On one hand, he portrays Lively as a powerful Hollywood figure. On the other hand, he suggests she was so powerless that she had to fabricate harassment claims to gain control. The team also highlighted specific incidents from the filming of "It Ends With Us" that support Lively's harassment allegations. These include a simulated nude scene filmed without an intimacy coordinator and inappropriate comments made by Baldoni. Lively's spokesperson has spoken out about the emotional toll of these legal battles. They emphasized the importance of California's AB 933 law, which protects victims from being silenced or financially ruined for speaking up. This law is crucial for encouraging others to come forward with their own experiences. Lively's legal team is determined to use this law to their advantage, hoping to turn the tables on Baldoni and his co-defendants. Meanwhile, Jenny Slate, who starred in "It Ends With Us" with Baldoni, has chosen to stay out of the drama. When asked about the ongoing legal battle, she declined to comment. Slate is focusing on promoting her upcoming series, "Dying for Sex, " and has made it clear that her priority is discussing her work. She has also expressed her support for Lively early on in the dispute. The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni is far from over. As both sides prepare for the next steps, the entertainment industry is watching closely. This case could set a significant precedent for how sexual harassment claims are handled in Hollywood.