Justin Baldoni's Ex-Publicist Files Lawsuit Against Him and Crisis PR Team Amid Controversy
**Source:** [Page Six](https://pagesix.com/2024/12/24/celebrity-news/justin-baldonis-ex-publicist-sues-him-crisis-pr-over-blake-lively-smear-campaign/)
Overview of the Legal Dispute
Stephanie Jones' Lawsuit
- Justin Baldoni's former publicist, Stephanie Jones, is suing him, his film studio, and crisis PR team. - The lawsuit alleges **breach of contract** related to a smear campaign against actress **Blake Lively**.
Background of the Controversy
- The conflict arises from the filming of *It Ends With Us*, a project involving Baldoni and Lively. - Jones claims the campaign was orchestrated by Baldoni's current crisis managers to damage Lively's reputation and shift blame onto her.
Details of the Allegations
Allegations of Smear Campaign
- Jones asserts that her employee worked to **coordinate a media smear** against Lively while discrediting Jones herself. - She cites **subpoenaed text messages** that show critical comments made by Jennifer Abel, a publicist for Baldoni, about him.
Career Impact
- The ongoing feud has potentially harmful repercussions for Baldoni's career amidst allegations of toxic behavior on set. - Lively recently filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, claiming that his actions were damaging to her professional reputation.
Responses and Reactions
Responses from Baldoni and Associates
- Representatives for Baldoni and his team have yet to respond to the claims publicly. - A source close to Baldoni described Jones' lawsuit as **retaliatory**, asserting that Abel's departure was amicable and lawful.
Industry and Co-Star Reactions
- Co-stars of Lively, including Jenny Slate, have come forward to defend her and express their support during this tumultuous time. - Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, has remained largely silent but was reportedly present at meetings addressing Baldoni's alleged misconduct.
Implications for Future Projects
Potential Consequences for Baldoni
- Following these events, Baldoni has lost representation from his talent agency. - The fallout from the film's premiere has raised significant public scrutiny regarding his behavior on set.
Ongoing Developments
- This situation continues to evolve, with developments expected as legal actions unfold. - The entertainment community is closely monitoring the implications for all parties involved.
