Freedman, known in Hollywood as "the dark knight," informed Deadline that he would not disclose the timing or number of lawsuits he is preparing for Baldoni, who directed "It Ends With Us." Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
“Our first lawsuit will shock everyone who has been manipulated into believing a demonstrably false narrative,” Freedman told Deadline.
He added: “It will be supported by real evidence and tell the true story. In over 30 years of practicing, I have never seen this level of unethical behavior intentionally fueled through media manipulation.”
On December 20th, Lively filed an 80-page legal complaint against Baldoni, alleging inappropriate behavior on set and a smear campaign against her – claims that Baldoni denies.
News outlets report that Freedman has been preparing to file a counterclaim when courts reopen after the holidays. This filing may allege that Lively’s PR team initiated the smear campaign against Baldoni, planting negative stories to boost her image after receiving bad press for the controversial domestic abuse romcom.
After filing her complaint, Lively stated that she hoped the “action helps expose these sinister retaliatory tactics used to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
The former "Gossip Girl" star received widespread support from colleagues. Baldoni has since been dropped by his talent agency, lost a women’s solidarity award and a podcast co-hosting job, and is being sued by his publicist.
Freedman's involvement in the case is expected to escalate the conflict. He is known as a formidable lawyer who has represented high-profile clients like Megyn Kelly, Bethenny Frankel, and Tucker Carlson.
“If you mess with my client, you get what you get!” he recently told the Hollywood Reporter.
The Hollywood Reporter describes Freedman as a “pit bull” known for his “rabidity and ruthlessness.”
Freedman has previously represented Kevin Spacey, FKA Twigs, Dr. Dre’s ex-wife, Jamie Lynn Spears, and Diplo.
Carlson, who hired Freedman during a contract dispute with Fox News, described him as a caged animal, saying: “Every time I read about Bryan, it’s like, ‘When are they letting him out of the cage?’ He’s chewing on his own paw.”
