Actress Blake Lively is facing another lawsuit, this time from a crisis-management firm she named in her previous complaint against costar Justin Baldoni. Jed Wallace, of Texas-based Street Relations, Inc., sued Lively, alleging defamation. The lawsuit comes after Lively’s team rescinded her petition for a deposition from Wallace on Tuesday.
In December, Lively filed a civil rights complaint against Baldoni, alleging he engaged in misconduct during the film’s production and a retaliatory smear campaign to “destroy” her reputation. Baldoni has denied the claims.
Wallace’s lawyers claim Lively’s recent petition conceded she had no facts supporting her allegations against him. They are seeking at least $7 million in damages, including a court order stating Wallace did not engage in harassment or retaliation.
Lively’s team says the lawsuit is “transparent retaliation” for speaking out against sexual harassment and retaliation. They add that Wallace has finally come forward, and he will be held accountable in federal court.
The ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni began in December 2024 when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. The case is scheduled to go to trial on March 15, 2026.
Source: https://people.com/blake-lively-sued-defamation-crisis-pr-firm-digital-army-8786524