Legal Action Initiated by Baldoni and Associates Against The New York Times on December 31, 2024
On December 31, 2024, a coalition of prominent figures including Baldoni, Wayfarer, Heath, Sarowitz, Nathan, TAG, Abel, RWA Communications, Wallace, and Street Relations took legal action by filing a lawsuit against the esteemed newspaper The New York Times.
This lawsuit, which has been reviewed by E! News, brings forth serious allegations against The New York Times, including charges of libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud, and breach of implied-in-fact contract. The accusations stem from an article that purportedly misrepresented a retaliatory smear campaign directed at Lively, who had earlier raised concerns regarding alleged misconduct occurring on set.
The plaintiffs assert that the report is fundamentally “false” and primarily based on Lively’s CRD complaint. They have categorically denied all allegations, contending that the communications referenced in the article and complaint were significantly taken out of context, misrepresenting the actual circumstances.
Moreover, the lawsuit claims, “Despite its assertion of having ‘reviewed these along with other documents[,]’ the Times relied almost entirely upon Lively?s unverified and self-serving narrative.” It further declares that the article lifted Lively’s claims nearly verbatim while neglecting a substantial body of evidence that contradicts her narrative and reveals her true intentions.
In a striking counter-accusation, the plaintiffs argue that it was Lively, not themselves, who orchestrated a calculated smear campaign. Lively has firmly denied these claims.
In response to the lawsuit, The New York Times expressed its intention to “vigorously defend against the lawsuit,” emphasizing its commitment to journalistic integrity.
The publication stated to E!, ?The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported, based on a thorough review of thousands of original documents, including text messages and emails we quoted accurately and extensively in the article.”
