Ryan Reynolds Calls Justin Baldoni ‘A Predator’ In Motion To Dismiss $400 Million Defamation Lawsuit

Ryan Reynolds has filed a motion to dismiss Justin Baldoni‘s $400 million defamation lawsuit, claiming that his statements labeling Baldoni as a “predator” are protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Reynolds’ legal team argues that expressing genuine beliefs, especially concerning matters of public interest, does not constitute defamation. ​

The legal dispute originated from allegations by Blake Lively, Reynolds’ wife, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment during the production of It Ends With Us. In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit alleging defamation and extortion against both Lively and Reynolds. ​

> More: Blake Lively Says Her Kids Have Been ‘Traumatized’ Due To Drama With Justin Baldoni

Baldoni’s lawsuit also claims that Reynolds mocked him through the character “Nicepool” in Deadpool & Wolverine. Reynolds’ attorneys dismissed the claim, characterizing Baldoni’s reaction as “thin-skinned outrage” and emphasizing that creative expressions in the film are protected forms of speech. ​

Reynolds’ legal team maintains that the lawsuit lacks merit, emphasizing that personal opinions are not grounds for defamation, mainly when based on credible allegations. They are seeking the court’s dismissal of the case, citing free speech protections. ​