Justin Baldoni is clapping back at Ryan Reynolds‘ motion to dismiss!
On Tuesday, the Deadpool star requested to be removed from the It Ends With Us director’s lawsuit against Blake Lively arguing that Justin “does not identify a single allegedly defamatory statement” made by the actor. As for Ryan calling Justin a “predator,” his legal team cheekily argued that doesn’t count as defamation if Ryan “genuinely believes Mr. Baldoni is a predator.” And then they explained why he might think that based on his past confessions! They basically doubled down and said… but you are a predator tho… Ouch!
Related: Diddy’s Prison Phone Call To Kanye West Revealed
Obviously that massive blow wasn’t going to go unanswered. On Wednesday, Justin’s attorney Bryan Freedman hit back at the filing, telling Us Weekly:
“Mr. Reynolds’ exploitation of his enormous power in Hollywood continues, this time arrogantly asking to be dismissed from the case despite his publicly documented involvement extending far beyond just being a ‘supportive spouse.’ Mr. Reynolds was a key player in the scheme, defaming Justin around Hollywood, strong-arming WME into dropping Justin as a client, and trying to destroy Justin’s career however possible. His fingerprints have been all over this smear campaign against Justin and the Wayfarer team since day one.”
FWIW, while WME denied the allegation that Justin was fired because of Ryan, chief exec Ari Emanuel did pretty much admit to it in an unaired podcast! Plus, Blake was super open about Ryan helping with the script both in public and in text messages included in the legal battle. Ryan himself isn’t even shying away from allegations he mocked Justin via his Nicepool character in Deadpool & Wolverine. So, yeah, he certainly can’t say he has no involvement in this whole ordeal.
But he’s not exactly trying to! Instead, his team is mostly arguing that he had “a First Amendment right” to do and say everything he did!
Clapping back at this, Freedman continued to call out Ryan for essentially stating that “bullying is acceptable,” adding:
“Mr. Reynolds now attempts to reduce plainly cognizable claims to ‘hurt feelings,’ sending a clear message that bullying is acceptable. After lighting a match, Mr. Reynolds now seeks to run from the flames. It won’t work. The Wayfarer Parties’ claims against him are real, and they are serious.”
He insisted his team “will not stop” until Ryan is “held accountable for his actions.” Oof!
We’ll see what a judge has to say! So far, Justin and Blake and Ryan’s teams have both seen wins and loses in court, so it’s anyone’s game at this point…
Do U think Ryan should be dismissed?? Sound OFF in the comments!
Related Posts
