Blake Lively Faces $7M Defamation Lawsuit from Crisis Publicist She Claims ‘Weaponized a Digital
Blake Lively, the renowned actress and star of It Ends With Us, is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle after being hit with a $7 million defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from her allegations that a crisis publicist “weaponized a digital army” to tarnish her reputation. Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing legal drama.
What Sparked the Lawsuit?
In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a civil rights complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. As part of her complaint, Lively alleged that Baldoni’s PR team hired Jed Wallace, a crisis publicist from Texas-based firm Street Relations, Inc., to launch a smear campaign against her.
Lively’s legal team claimed Wallace used a “digital army” to create and spread false content across social media platforms and online forums, aiming to damage her reputation. However, Wallace has vehemently denied these allegations, filing a defamation lawsuit against Lively on February 4, 2025, seeking $7 million in damages.
Key Allegations and Counterclaims
- Blake Lively’s Claims:
- Wallace was hired to orchestrate a smear campaign against her.
- A “digital army” was used to spread false information online.
- The campaign was part of a broader retaliation effort by Baldoni.
- Jed Wallace’s Counterclaims:
- Lively’s allegations are false and defamatory.
- The claims have caused significant reputational and financial harm to Wallace and his firm.
- Wallace has never met or spoken to Lively and denies any involvement in a smear campaign.
The Legal Back-and-Forth
The lawsuit marks the latest development in a series of legal disputes between Lively and Baldoni. Here’s a timeline of key events:
- December 2024: Lively files a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, alleging misconduct during the production of It Ends With Us.
- January 2025: Baldoni counters with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, accusing them of extortion and defamation.
- February 2025: Wallace files a $7 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, claiming her allegations are baseless and damaging.
Both parties appeared in court for a pre-trial conference on February 3, 2025, where the judge urged them to avoid publicizing the case. The trial is currently scheduled for March 2026.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of these lawsuits could have significant implications for both parties:
- For Blake Lively, a loss could mean paying millions in damages and facing further reputational harm.
- For Jed Wallace, the case is about clearing his name and recovering losses caused by the alleged defamation.
- For Justin Baldoni, the lawsuits could impact his career and public image, depending on the court’s findings.
What’s Next?
As the legal battle continues, both sides are preparing for a lengthy court process. Lively’s legal team has expressed confidence that Wallace’s lawsuit will be dismissed, while Wallace’s attorneys are determined to prove their client’s innocence.
Key Takeaways
- Blake Lively is facing a $7 million defamation lawsuit over claims of a “digital army” smear campaign.
- The lawsuit is part of a broader legal battle involving Lively, Justin Baldoni, and crisis publicist Jed Wallace.
- Both sides have made serious allegations, with millions of dollars and reputations on the line.
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