Joe Rogan is taking sides in the ongoing legal drama between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. In a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," he criticized Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for their actions against Baldoni, who directed "It Ends With Us." Rogan claimed they tried to undermine Baldoni, calling him a "sweet, nice guy." He mentioned a notable incident where Lively invited Baldoni to her dressing room while breastfeeding, suggesting it was odd for her to later complain about him being there.
The controversy kicked off when Lively filed a sexual harassment claim against Baldoni, accusing him of inappropriate behavior during filming. This allegation led to a New York Times article that sparked lawsuits between Lively, Baldoni, and Reynolds.
Baldoni didn’t hold back. He is suing the New York Times for $250 million, claiming they published false information about him. Meanwhile, Lively countersued Baldoni and his associates, asserting they retaliated against her for reporting harassment. In retaliation, Baldoni is demanding $400 million from Lively and Reynolds for defamation and civil extortion, citing hurt from their actions.
Recently, Reynolds attempted to have Baldoni’s lawsuit dismissed, claiming that Baldoni’s complaints stem from “hurt feelings.” In the lawsuit, Baldoni was accused of feeling mocked by Reynolds’ character Nicepool from the "Deadpool" franchise, which seems to satirize Baldoni’s public persona. In a legal motion, Reynolds’ team argued that Baldoni’s reaction indicates he’s “thin-skinned.”
Adding another twist to this complicated case, Lively has sought to dismiss Baldoni’s defamation suit, stating it’s a direct retaliation for her earlier harassment claims. This saga illustrates the complexities of Hollywood’s legal battles and the often blurry boundaries of personal and professional relationships.
This drama isn’t just about legal claims; it reflects a growing conversation about actions that cross the line in workplace settings, especially in the entertainment industry. According to a recent survey by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment complaints have increased by 25% in the last five years, highlighting the need for better protections for those who speak out.
As this case unfolds, it brings to light the challenges faced by individuals in pursuing justice while navigating the intense pressures of fame. How this will affect the careers of those involved remains to be seen.
For more on this evolving story, you can read the initial reports from Variety.
Source link
Blake Lively,Joe Rogan,Justin Baldoni,Ryan Reynolds