Blake Lively is once again facing legal challenges, this time due to a defamation lawsuit initiated by a crisis management firm. The suit has been brought forth by Jed Wallace of Street Relations, who is alleged to have played a role in the public relations conflict between Lively and Justin Baldoni, the director and actor of It Ends With Us.

Blake Lively sued by PR firm amid Justin Baldoni's feud

Wallace asserts that Lively's actions are improperly involving him in ongoing legal conflicts and has initiated a lawsuit in a Texas federal court, seeking a minimum of $7 million along with a judicial declaration exonerating him from any misconduct.

The situation escalated when the Gossip Girl actress accused Wallace of assisting Baldoni’s team in orchestrating a defamation campaign against her on social media. She alleges that he utilized digital platforms to fabricate content that appeared to attack her while simultaneously defending Baldoni.

This purported content was allegedly employed to sway public perception and generate adverse media coverage. In reaction, Wallace refutes these claims, contending that he has been wrongfully implicated in Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. He maintains that he had no part in the alleged smear campaign and that the lawsuit represents a retaliatory measure in response to her public allegations.

Lively’s legal team responds with defiant statement

The legal action initiated by Lively follows her recent petition in a Texas state court, where she requested an order to depose Wallace. This development may result in his inclusion as a defendant in her ongoing litigation against Justin Baldoni, the director of It Ends With Us, and his production company, Wayfarer.

Lively’s legal representatives, under the guidance of attorney Michael Gottlieb, characterized Wallace’s lawsuit as a retaliatory maneuver. “Another day, another state, another nine-figure lawsuit aimed at suing Ms. Lively ‘into oblivion’ for her stance against sexual harassment and retaliation,” stated Lively’s legal team, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.

“This is not merely a publicity stunt; it is a clear act of retaliation in response to the allegations outlined in a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint that Ms. Lively submitted to the California Civil Rights Department. While we anticipate this lawsuit will be dismissed, we are gratified that Mr. Wallace has finally stepped into the light, and that he too will face accountability in federal court,” they further remarked.

Wallace denies all allegations of harassment and retaliation

In a comprehensive 10-page legal document, Wallace counters Lively’s assertions regarding his alleged involvement in unlawful harassment or retaliation. He maintains that Lively’s complaint, submitted to the California Civil Rights Department, initiated the conflict without presenting any substantiating evidence.

Wallace's attorney, Charles Babcock, emphasizes that Lively subsequently acknowledged the absence of evidence to back her claims. He further asserts that neither Wallace nor his company participated in the alleged harassment or retaliation. "Neither Wallace nor Street had any connection to the purported sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to investigate, or any facilitation of the alleged harassment or retaliation. Additionally, they could not have violated a contract with Lively, as no such contract exists," he stated.

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