The article, titled "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine," alleged that a PR campaign was launched to tarnish actress Blake Lively's reputation after she raised concerns about inappropriate behavior on the set of their film, "It Ends With Us."
Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film, vehemently denies these claims. He and nine other plaintiffs, including producers and publicists, have filed an 87-page lawsuit accusing the Times of defamation. The lawsuit contends that the article, based heavily on Lively's account, presents a distorted and misleading picture of events.
The plaintiffs argue that the Times "cherry-picked" information and omitted key evidence to support Lively's narrative. They further allege that the newspaper collaborated with Lively's team to orchestrate a damaging attack on their reputations.
Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, condemned the Times for abandoning journalistic ethics in favor of sensationalism and catering to powerful Hollywood figures. He vowed to pursue legal action against those involved in the alleged smear campaign.
The New York Times stands by its reporting, asserting that the story was thoroughly investigated and based on extensive documentation. A spokesperson for the newspaper emphasized their commitment to independent journalism and stated they will vigorously defend themselves against the lawsuit.
This legal battle follows Lively's own complaint filed with the California State Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied these allegations, calling them "completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious."
The conflicting accounts and legal actions highlight the complexities and potential fallout when accusations of misconduct and smear campaigns arise in the high-stakes world of Hollywood.
