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Ryan Reynolds Responds to Lawsuit Amidst Controversy with Justin Baldoni
Ryan Reynolds has always been known for his sharp humor, but the situation surrounding his recent comments about It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni has taken a serious turn. Reports from TheWrap suggest that Reynolds acknowledged using the character “Nicepool” in Deadpool & Wolverine as a critique of Baldoni, particularly in light of challenges faced by his wife Blake Lively during their collaboration on the film. Reynolds is currently seeking to dismiss the lawsuit filed against him, asserting that Baldoni’s claims stem merely from “hurt feelings.”
In legal documents submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Reynolds’ legal team argues that Baldoni’s response to the character’s portrayal is overly sensitive, claiming that his “thin-skinned outrage over a movie character, the satirical ‘woke’ Nicepool, does not even attempt to constitute any legitimate legal claims.”
Details of Reynolds’ Dismissal Motion
The motion highlights a broader contention that Baldoni’s lawsuit is fundamentally weak. It emphasizes that Baldoni’s grievances fall into the realm of mere emotional distress rather than actionable legal issues. The filing points out that his allegations can be seen as part of a narrative constructed to portray him as a victim in a campaign against Lively that began last August.
The motion specifically states, “Baldoni’s case lacks any substantiated claim of defamation against him, as no defamatory statement exists.” This assertion indicates Reynolds’ confidence in the legal robustness of his position.
Implications for the Lively-Baldoni Dispute
The litigation involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has been characterized by a complex web of accusations and defenses. Even from the outset, both parties have amassed support from their respective fan bases, complicating public perception of the ongoing feud. As further lawsuits emerged against media outlets and Reynolds himself, the situation escalated, indicating that resolutions would not come easily.
In his motion, Reynolds reiterated claims that Baldoni had orchestrated a “retaliatory ‘social manipulation’ campaign” aimed at Lively due to her speaking out about alleged harassment and misconduct during the filming of It Ends With Us. The documents portray Reynolds as a committed partner who has directly observed the toll that this controversy has taken on Lively’s personal and professional life.
Notably, Reynolds’ filings assert that the motivation behind Baldoni’s lawsuit seems rooted in an intent to undermine their family. The defendant’s documents declare, “Mr. Reynolds is a defendant in this action for one reason only: because billionaire Plaintiff Steve Sarowitz [and Wayfarer co-founder] promised to spend up to $100 million to ‘ruin’ Ms. Lively and Mr. Reynolds.”
Is a Settlement Possible?
As the legal skirmishes progress, the future remains uncertain, with speculation emerging that resolution outside of court could occur. However, dissent within the parties suggests that a mutually agreeable settlement may be increasingly unlikely. This ongoing legal battle appears poised to drag on, potentially exposing more details akin to a troubled superhero narrative.
For further information, refer to the original report on The Wrap.
Source
movieweb.com