Justin Baldoni’s lawyer commented on the alleged dig made by Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine amid wife Blake Lively’s legal battle over It Ends With Us.
Justin Baldoni‘s lawyer is taking issue with Deadpool & Wolverine.
While discussing the It Ends With Us star and director’s legal troubles with costar Blake Lively, Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman commented on what he believes was a dig at his client made by Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds in the 2024 Marvel movie that Reynolds produced and starred in.
Fans on social media had pointed out that the character of Nicepool—played by Reynolds in the film—bore a resemblance to Baldoni with his man bun, a hairstyle the 40-year-old wore for years until 2023.
In the movie, Nicepool commented on his female counterpart Ladypool (played by Lively), saying to Deadpool and Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine, “Oh my goodness, wait til you’ve seen Ladypool. She is gorgeous. She just had a baby too and [you] can’t even tell.”
Deadpool responds, “I don’t think you’re supposed to say that,” to which Nicepool says, “That’s OK. I identify as a feminist.”
Freeman was shown the clip by Megyn Kelly during an interview posted to her YouTube Jan. 7 and asked what he made of the movie moment.
“What I make of that is that if your wife is sexually harassed, you don’t make fun of Justin Baldoni,” Freeman said. “You don’t make fun of the situation. You take it very seriously, you file HR complaints, you raise the issue and you follow a legal process. What you don’t do is mock the person and turn it into a joke.”
According to Freeman, there was “no question it relates to Justin,” adding that the “hair bun” and “the comment about the pregnancy” made it “pretty obvious what’s being done.”
“But again, if somebody is seriously sexually harassed,” he continued, “you don’t make fun of it. It’s a serious issue.”
E! News has reached out to Reynolds and Lively for comment, but has not heard back.
Although neither has commented on the scene in question, Lively’s team recently slammed “more attacks” from Baldoni, who filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for libel over an article detailing an alleged smear campaign against the Lively following her sexual harassment allegations. In her complaint filed at the end of December, she accused Baldoni of harassment, as well as criticizing her body after giving birth to son Olin in 2023.
“This is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation,” Lively’s lawyers said in a statement to E! News Jan. 6, noting that allegations made in Lively’s initial complaint were “serious claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.”
The statement alleged that Baldoni’s tactic “has been to launch more attacks against Ms. Lively since her filing.”
However, the Jane the Virgin alum has not only denied the allegations but is also pursuing his lawsuit against The Times, in which he seeks to hold the outlet “accountable for its role in this defamation campaign,” according to Baldoni’s lawsuit, obtained by E! News. (In response, The Times said it stands by its reporting.)
But Lively’s team is holding firm on their allegations of Baldoni’s misconduct as outlined in the Gossip Girl star’s initial civil rights complaint and subsequent lawsuit.
“Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry,” Lively’s legal team said in their statement. “A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied.”
Since filing her complaint, many stars have shared their support for Lively. Keeping reading for the messages, including several from those who worked on It Ends With Us.
Colleen Hoover
After Blake Lively filed a legal complaint against It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the film’s set and for later taking part in a smear campaign against her—claims that he has since denied via his lawyer—Colleen Hoover, who wrote the book that the movie is based on, shared a message to the actress.
“@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met,” Colleen wrote on her Instagram Stories Dec. 21. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Robyn Lively
Blake’s sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively, also weighed in.
“I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety,” Robyn wrote on Instagram Dec. 23, referencing the NYT piece that details Blake’s complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. “It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister.”
The Teen Witch star went on to note that it also “highlights” what Blake allegedly experienced on the set of It Ends With Us.
Paul Feig
Blake’s A Simple Favor director also came to her defense, writing on X Dec. 22, “I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this.”
Amy Schumer
The comedian showed her support for the Gossip Girl alum, writing on her Instagram Story Dec. 22, “I believe Blake.”
Gwyneth Paltrow
Shortly after Blake’s complaint was made public, the Goop founder shared a photo of The Town star’s hair company, Blake Brown, on her Instagram Story, writing, “Just added to my Christmas wish list.”
Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn & America Ferrera
Blake’s BFFs and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars penned a joint message, posted to Instagram Dec. 22, stating they “stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation.”
Bart Johnson
Bart Johnson shared an impassioned defense of his sister-in-law in the comments section of a New York Times Instagram post detailing the filing and its own investigation into the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
“Her complained were filed during the filming,” the High School Musical alum, who is married to Blake’s sister Robyn, wrote. “On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spitting ignorance. His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is with out faults. But the public got played.”
He later added on X of Baldoni, “He’s a fraud. He puts on the ‘costume’ of a hero, man bun and all. Used all of the trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts. None of it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years. Rewatch his videos with a more critical eye and watch him compliment and praise himself with faux humility and self deprecation. What a performance.”
Shawn Levy
Ryan Reynolds‘ frequent collaborator Shawn Levy shared the New York Times investigation into the smear campaign on his Instagram Stories, writing, “Proud to call @blakelively a friend.”
Amber Heard
Days after Lively’s filing was made public, Amber Heard reflected on her own experience facing relentless vitriol online amid ex Johnny Depp‘s defamation trial against her.
“Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,’” the Aquaman star expressed in a statement to NBC News Dec. 23. “I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”
Brandon Sklenar
Brandon Sklenar, who played Blake’s love interest Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us, had a simple, pointed message of support.
Sharing a screenshot of the Gossip Girl alum’s full complaint against Baldoni on his Instagram Stories Dec. 23, he wrote over a link to the text, “For the love of God read this.” He followed up by tagging her with a heart emoji.
Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate, who played Baldoni’s sister and Blake’s BFF in the film, shared her thoughts on the “disturbing” allegations.
“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,” Slate said in a Dec. 23 statement to Today. “Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.”
“What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening,” the Parks and Recreation alum continued. “I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
The actor, who stars alongside Lively in the upcoming sequel to A Simple Favor, sent his love to her on Instagram Story Dec. 23, adding that he felt her “pain” as they filmed together earlier this year.
Source: www.eonline.com