Ryan Reynolds didn't blacklist Justin Baldoni from the agency

Did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds blacklist Justin Baldoni from his agency and beyond?

Sometimes “damage control” does more damage than anything else. It's unclear if Justin Baldoni understands this.

Following a damning report about his alleged smear campaign against Blake Lively, he filed a massive lawsuit against The New York Times. Part of that lawsuit claims that Lively and Reynolds pressured his agency to drop him.

There's just one problem. The agency in question categorically denies Baldoni's claims.

Did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds get Justin Baldoni fired from his agency?

Much like long weekends, the winter holiday period is a prime time when big news breaks while people pay less attention to it.

Breaking news in the final weeks of December 2024 was a jaw-dropping report on how Justin Baldoni allegedly orchestrated a social media smear campaign. It ends with us co-star Blake Lively.

For what? Because she was suing him for sexual harassment. The details of his trial are chilling enough without the ugly campaign of public insults that took place primarily on TikTok, an app that serves as an ideal conduit for misinformation.

As we mentioned, Justin Baldoni continues The New York Times. He filed his case on December 31 and is suing the newspaper for $250 million. His lawsuit alleges that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds used their influence as stars to pressure talent agency William Morris Endeavor into dropping him.

“The exercise of power and influence has become undeniable,” the court documents charge. “Baldoni and Wayfarer grew increasingly fearful of what Lively and Reynolds were capable of, as their actions seemed aimed at destroying Baldoni's career and personal life.”

He said the two men had pressured his WME agent to Deadpool and Wolverine first. This is a very accurate statement!

No, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds didn't pressure WME to drop Justin Baldoni

The day after Baldoni filed the suit, William Morris Endeavor published a statement has The Hollywood Reporter to completely cancel this assertion. (It's a way to celebrate the New Year!)

“In Baldoni's file, there is a claim that Reynolds pressured Baldoni's agent to Deadpool and Wolverine first. This is not true,” the agency declared very directly on Wednesday January 1.

Continuing its debunking, WME added: “Baldoni's former rep was not present Deadpool and Wolverine premiere and there was no pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any point to drop Baldoni as a client. Oops !

WME dropped Baldoni in December. One of the factors contributing to the decision was Lively's allegations of misconduct, including sexual harassment.

As many people have pointed out on social media, a major red flag in the publicity tour of It ends with us Much of the cast seemed to avoid discussing Baldoni. He was their co-star And director. Fans felt like there was tension on set.

With the sexual harassment allegations, this perceived friction has deepened. Lively and Reynolds wouldn't necessarily have to pressure anyone to change their feelings about Baldoni. Or to modify their professional relations with him.

What is the trial about?

Alongside other plaintiffs, Justin Baldoni sues The New York Times for supposedly hand-picked information. He believes the full context of all his posts would exonerate him and make it less likely that he is trying to ruin the life and career of a woman who is accusing him of misconduct.

Meanwhile, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. He allegedly behaved inappropriately on set, ranging from impromptu kissing scenes to discussions about his sexual activity and his “porn addiction.” (That's not the point, but “porn addiction” isn't real)

Subsequently, SAG-AFTRA released a statement supporting Lively. The author of It ends with usColleen Hoover. And Lively is suing Baldoni. She accuses him of media manipulation, such as that described by the NOW. As for the newspaper itself, it maintains its report. They plan to defend him in court.