Actor Justin Baldoni has filed a lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, alleging civil extortion, defamation, and other offenses. The suit, filed in the Southern District of New York, seeks $400 million in damages and requests a jury trial. This countersuit follows Lively's initial sexual harassment claim against Baldoni after their collaboration on the film adaptation of "It Ends With Us." Lively alleges Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation.

Baldoni, along with Wayfarer Studios and other colleagues, presents a contrasting narrative. His lawsuit asserts Lively's accusations are unfounded and that she is attempting to deflect blame for damage to her public image. Baldoni's legal team insists they possess substantial evidence to refute Lively's claims and highlight her actions as the true source of the controversy.

Justin Baldoni (left) filed suit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. (Getty Images)

The lawsuit alleges Lively initiated the conflict by falsely accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment after failing to coerce him and Wayfarer Studios into issuing a statement accepting responsibility for her damaged reputation. Baldoni's legal team presented text messages, emails, and other documentation as evidence supporting their client's claims. Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, expressed confidence in their case, stating that the evidence unequivocally supports Baldoni's version of events.

Lively and Baldoni on the set of "It Ends With Us." (Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Lively's representatives, however, maintain her allegations are substantiated and accuse Baldoni of attempting to shift blame and silence her. They describe Baldoni's lawsuit as a classic example of DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), a tactic employed by abusers to discredit their accusers. Lively's team asserts they possess evidence to support her claims of sexual harassment and retaliation, and they are confident they will prevail in court.

Ryan Reynolds is also named in Baldoni's lawsuit. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Justin Baldoni also sued The New York Times for defamation. (Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

This escalating legal battle between Baldoni and Lively continues to unfold, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives and claiming to possess evidence supporting their respective positions. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for all parties involved.