Ryan Reynolds has officially filed a motion to dismiss Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit, calling it baseless and filled with sensationalist claims. The Deadpool star argues that Baldoni’s case is built on unsubstantiated allegations and personal grievances rather than legal merit.
Reynolds Pushes Back Against Defamation Claims
Baldoni, known for It Ends With Us, sued Reynolds, his wife Blake Lively, The New York Times, and Vision PR’s Leslie Sloane for defamation and extortion. The lawsuit centers on Reynolds allegedly calling Baldoni a “predator” during private conversations. However, Reynolds’ legal team asserts that these comments do not constitute defamation since there is no evidence he believed them to be false.
“The lawsuit fails to establish that Mr. Reynolds did not genuinely believe his statements,” Reynolds’ attorneys stated in a federal court filing.
The Legal Battle Unfolds
The case stems from a complaint filed by Lively against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation. Shortly after, The New York Times published an exposé, which led Baldoni to sue the publication for libel and fraud. This legal feud quickly escalated into multiple lawsuits, with Reynolds now seeking dismissal of Baldoni’s defamation claims against him.
Reynolds’ legal team describes the lawsuit as a retaliatory SLAPP suit, a legal tactic often used to silence critics. They argue that Baldoni’s claim lacks specific evidence of harm and fails to demonstrate any unlawful conduct.
Reynolds’ Defense Strategy
Reynolds’ attorneys assert that Baldoni’s accusations are primarily designed for media attention rather than legal resolution. They argue that the lawsuit is an attempt to discredit Reynolds and Lively, emphasizing that billionaire investor Steve Sarowitz, a key Baldoni ally, allegedly vowed to spend millions to “ruin” the couple.
“The complaint is filled with clickbait and speculation rather than legitimate legal claims,” Reynolds’ legal team stated, calling for its dismissal before trial proceedings begin in 2026.
What’s Next?
As the legal battle continues, Reynolds and Lively have remained active in the public eye, attending major industry events and making appearances, including SNL50: The Anniversary Special. Meanwhile, the court is set to decide whether Reynolds’ motion to dismiss will be granted, potentially reshaping the trajectory of this high-profile case.
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