Title: Ryan Reynolds Labels Justin Baldoni a ‘Predator’ in Blistering Motion to Dismiss Case Against Him

This version retains the core details—Ryan Reynolds’ accusation, Justin Baldoni’s name, the legal context ("motion to dismiss"), and the intensity ("blistering")—while streamlining the structure for clarity and conciseness.

Ryan Reynolds Fights to Dismiss $400M Lawsuit, Accuses Justin Baldoni of Harassment
(Include image: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively at a public event, caption: "Reynolds defends Lively, calling Baldoni a ‘predator’ in court filings.")

Ryan Reynolds has launched a fierce legal bid to be removed from a $400 million defamation lawsuit filed by producer Justin Baldoni, while accusing Baldoni of harassing his wife, Blake Lively, on the set of their film It Ends With Us. In a 38-page court filing, the Deadpool star condemned Baldoni’s “thin-skinned outrage” and defended his right to publicly criticize the actor, whom he labeled a “predator.”

Reynolds described himself as a “supportive spouse” who witnessed the “emotional, reputational, and financial devastation” Lively endured during the film’s production. He argued Baldoni’s lawsuit—which also targets the New York Times for covering Lively’s allegations—is a retaliatory “smear campaign” fueled by a $100 million pledge from Baldoni’s business partner to “ruin” Reynolds and Lively.

(Include image: Justin Baldoni on the set of It Ends With Us, caption: "Baldoni denies Lively’s claims of on-set misconduct.")

Legal Battle Timeline
Lively first sued Baldoni in December 2023, alleging he orchestrated a campaign to discredit her after she raised concerns about his behavior. Baldoni countersued, claiming Reynolds and Lively defamed him in press statements and through a satirical Deadpool & Wolverine character named “Nicepool,” which he claims mocks his “woke” persona and man bun hairstyle. Reynolds dismissed the claim as “hurt feelings over a movie character,” arguing his criticism is protected free speech.

Reynolds’ Defense: Baldoni’s Past Admissions
Reynolds’ filing highlights Baldoni’s own public comments about his past, including a 2023 YouTube interview where Baldoni admitted, “I’m sure I crossed boundaries in my teens and twenties due to porn consumption.” On his podcast Man Enough, Baldoni also discussed a porn addiction that began at age 10, which he said distorted his views on consent and relationships. Reynolds argued these admissions justify his “predator” remarks, stating, “There’s no discernible distinction between my statements and Baldoni’s confessed behavior.”

(Include image: Still from Deadpool & Wolverine featuring "Nicepool," caption: "Baldoni claims the ‘Nicepool’ character (left) parodies his image.")

Lively’s Allegations Gain Support
Lively recently amended her lawsuit, alleging other women confided in her about discomfort with Baldoni. Her legal team claims she raised concerns “contemporaneously,” undermining Baldoni’s argument that her claims were fabricated to sabotage the film. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, called the allegations “false” and vowed to prove Lively “orchestrated a conspiracy.”

(Include image: Movie still from It Ends With Us, caption: "The film’s production has been overshadowed by legal battles.")

What’s Next?
Reynolds’ motion to dismiss argues Baldoni’s lawsuit is a “burn book of grievances” lacking legal merit. The case hinges on whether Reynolds’ comments are protected opinions or defamatory statements. With both sides digging in, the dispute shows no signs of ending soon—much like the dramatic plot of It Ends With Us itself.

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