Ryan Reynolds' Representative Defends Actor's Fiery Texts in Blake Lively Legal Battle
A spokesperson for Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds has issued a robust defence of the actor following the public revelation of his private text messages concerning filmmaker Justin Baldoni. The messages, which include strong language about Baldoni, were unsealed as part of court documents related to a high-profile lawsuit filed by Reynolds' wife, actress Blake Lively.
Legal Documents Reveal Private Exchanges
Private text messages and emails sent by Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and even pop icon Taylor Swift have been made public as part of the Gossip Girl star's 2024 lawsuit. Lively is suing her It Ends With Us director and co-star, Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and attempting to damage her professional reputation. Baldoni has firmly denied both allegations.
The extensive cache of communications includes multiple texts sent by Ryan Reynolds about the ongoing feud between Lively and Baldoni. This dispute unfolded following their collaboration on the big-screen adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, which Baldoni both directed and starred in alongside Lively.
Representative's Statement in Support
Addressing the leaked messages, a representative for Ryan Reynolds provided a statement to Puck News, offering a full-throated defence of the actor's actions. "Yes, Ryan got involved – what husband wouldn't support his wife and the mother of his children?" the representative stated. "He saw his wife fighting daily to stand up against sexual harassment in a private and respectful way, only to face retaliation for doing so."
The spokesperson added a striking perspective on Reynolds' emotional state, noting, "If anything, Ryan feels like he wasn't angry enough. He passionately believes in and will stand up for the basic right to a safe workplace free of harassment and retaliation for his wife and others. Then, now and always."
Content of the Revealed Messages
The press tour for It Ends With Us took place during the summer of 2024, a period when online rumours about a feud between Baldoni and Lively began to intensify. Speculation was fuelled by Baldoni's noticeable absence from group photographs on various red carpet events, although he did attend the film's New York premiere.
Following that premiere, Ryan Reynolds is reported to have sent a text to his agent, expressing bewilderment. "It's baffling that he has the lazy-lidded confidence to even show up," the message allegedly stated.
In another exchange from July 2024, Reynolds is said to have described Justin Baldoni in particularly harsh terms, labelling him a "thoroughbred, predatory fraudster" and an "inexplicably toxic mess." Furthermore, after It Ends With Us achieved significant box office success, Reynolds reportedly sent a message to an executive at his talent agency, WME, expressing frustration.
"I'm super frustrated because this is a moment in which Blake should be celebrating. She made this unbelievable win happen," the text read. "She WILLED this weekend into reality. Baldoni and these other buckets of dumb-dumb-juice should be acknowledging the speculation and gossip themselves. They should be jumping in front of it in the most full throated, unqualified way. Now."
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Potential Witnesses
A federal judge in New York City is currently deliberating on whether to conclude Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. However, a trial is presently scheduled to commence on 18 May. Should the case proceed to court, it could see a number of major celebrities taking the witness stand.
A document submitted by Lively's legal team lists several high-profile individuals who may possess relevant information. These potential witnesses include Lively's close friend Taylor Swift, supermodel Gigi Hadid, and acclaimed actress Emily Blunt, among other notable figures.
Background of the Legal Dispute
When Blake Lively initially filed her sexual harassment lawsuit, Justin Baldoni's legal representative, attorney Bryan Freedman, issued a strong rebuttal. Freedman claimed that Lively had initiated legal action primarily to "fix her negative reputation." He characterised her allegations as "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt."
In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit against both Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion. However, this countersuit was dismissed by the court in June of the previous year, leaving Lively's original claims as the active legal matter.
The public disclosure of these private communications has cast a new spotlight on the bitter legal and personal dispute, highlighting the intense emotions involved and the complex dynamics of Hollywood relationships under professional strain.
