Justin Baldoni Claims Ryan Reynolds Confronted Him Over Blake Lively ‘Fat-Shaming’ Incident

Justin Baldoni has named Ryan Reynolds in his ongoing $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging the actor confronted him over claims of “fat-shaming” Blake Lively during the production of It Ends With Us. The confrontation allegedly occurred at Reynolds and Lively’s New York City penthouse last year.

According to the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Baldoni, 40, described the encounter as “so aggressive” that he repeatedly apologized to diffuse tensions. The Jane the Virgin star claimed the incident stemmed from an inquiry he made to a trainer about Lively’s weight ahead of filming a lift sequence, which she ultimately refused to perform, reportedly using a stunt double instead.

The controversy resurfaced when Lively, 37, filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni last month. She alleged that Baldoni and his PR team engaged in a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation, further accusing him of covertly criticizing her body and weight. Lively also claimed that Baldoni recommended a supposed medical expert during her bout with strep throat, only for her to discover the individual was a weight-loss specialist.

Baldoni has denied the allegations, reiterating his position in a December statement and again in Tuesday’s filing. His libel lawsuit, which includes nine other plaintiffs such as his production company and publicists, counters accusations made in the New York Times’ initial report, which Baldoni claims distorted facts.

Meanwhile, Lively’s representatives have stated that Baldoni’s lawsuit does not alter the substance of her claims. The New York Times has also defended its reporting, describing it as “meticulously and responsibly reported.”

Support has poured in for Lively from It Ends With Us co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, as well as Colleen Hoover, author of the book on which the movie is based, who praised Lively as “honest and kind” on Instagram.

Reynolds, who married Lively in 2012 and shares four children with her, has yet to comment on the allegations. Baldoni’s wife, Emily Baldoni, has also remained silent regarding the legal battle. The tension surrounding the project and its cast continues to unfold as both sides stand firm in their respective claims.