Justin Baldoni sues Lively, Reynolds for $400M in defamation case

Justin Baldoni, actor and director of It Ends With Us, has filed a defamation and extortion lawsuit against his co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, in a continuing legal dispute over the dark romantic drama.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court in New York, seeks at least USD 400 million in damages, citing lost future income.

Baldoni and production company Wayfarer Studios accuse Lively and Reynolds of hijacking the film's production and marketing, manipulating the media to spread false allegations of harassment against Baldoni and other team members.

“This case involves two of the world’s most powerful stars using their influence to take control of a film from its director and production studio,” the suit states.

“When Lively and Reynolds’ efforts failed to earn them the recognition they felt they deserved, they lashed out at their chosen scapegoat.”

This lawsuit follows a legal claim filed two weeks ago by Lively, who accused Baldoni and others involved in the film of retaliation after she spoke out about her treatment on set.

Read more: Inside the controversy: Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni lawsuit