Justin Baldoni has publicly challenged Blake Lively's allegations of sexual harassment by releasing a script page and text messages he claims contradict her statements, escalating the high-profile legal battle between the two actors and former collaborators.

Baldoni, 41, submitted the alleged script and communications as evidence in his defamation lawsuit, arguing that Lively's claims have damaged his career and reputation. Lively, 37, has accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her on the set of It Ends With Us, the 2024 film they starred in together. In her lawsuit, she alleged that Baldoni criticized her weight behind her back, attempted to control her body image, and engaged in a smear campaign against her.

Baldoni's Defense: Script Evidence and Text Messages

A central point of contention in the lawsuit is Lively's claim that Baldoni contacted her personal trainer without her consent, allegedly to pressure her to lose weight after she had recently given birth. Lively argued that no such scene existed in the movie that would have necessitated any weight-related concerns.

However, in his court filing, Baldoni presented a script page that he said proves a scene did, in fact, require him to lift Lively's character, justifying his inquiry. His legal team also included a video of him rehearsing the scene with a body double.

Baldoni's attorney wrote: "[Blake], would later claim in her complaint that this scene did not exist. However, as evidenced by the script pages and video footage, the scene was very real."

Additionally, Baldoni denied Lively's claim that he misrepresented a medical referral. Lively alleged that after she contracted strep throat, Baldoni recommended a health expert but failed to disclose that the specialist was a weight-loss consultant. In response, Baldoni submitted text messages with the specialist in which he explicitly asked for probiotics to help Lively recover, with no mention of weight loss.

Tensions Escalate: Baldoni Accuses Lively of Manipulating Public Perception

Baldoni's lawsuit accuses Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane of launching a coordinated attack to ruin his reputation. The actor-director alleges that Lively used her influence to take control of the film and falsely portray him as an abuser in the media.

According to court filings, Baldoni recounted an explosive confrontation with Reynolds, who allegedly confronted him at Lively's penthouse, saying: "How dare you f*ing ask about my wife's weight? What's wrong with you?"** Baldoni claims he apologized repeatedly, despite believing he had done nothing wrong.

His lawsuit further alleges that Lively manipulated the narrative to present herself as a victim while demanding full creative control over the film, including wardrobe choices and intimacy scenes. Baldoni expressed fear and frustration over Lively's alleged demands, writing in an email to a producer: "I'm f***ing terrified of saying the wrong thing."

Lively's Legal Team Responds

Lively's attorneys dismissed Baldoni's counterclaims, stating that the evidence he provided does not refute her central allegations. In a statement, her legal team argued: "Every moment of this [footage] was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present."

They further stated: "No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent. This matter is in active litigation in federal court."

What's Next in the Legal Battle?

Baldoni has refiled his defamation and extortion lawsuit in New York, shifting the case out of California, where Lively initially filed her claims. The legal battle is expected to enter a phase of intense discovery, with both sides seeking further documents, emails, and text messages.

With allegations of power struggles, personal vendettas, and industry manipulation, the case has sparked broader discussions about gender dynamics and workplace harassment in Hollywood.