Blake Lively remains resolute in her pursuit of justice regarding the serious allegations she made against Justin Baldoni in December. In response, the director of It Ends With Us has initiated legal action against The New York Times, contesting the claims made in the impactful article published on December 21, titled “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.” Nevertheless, a source close to Lively has indicated that such retaliatory measures will ultimately prove ineffective, as the actress is prepared for a “dynamic beginning to the new year.”

Recently, an insider informed PEOPLE that Lively “continues to believe she is acting by her principles.” To bolster her position, Blake’s legal representatives have also addressed the 87-page complaint filed by Baldoni and several other plaintiffs on New Year’s Eve.

Justin Baldoni has filed a lawsuit against The New York Times, citing Ryan Reynolds for allegedly reprimanding him

The 40-year-old actor, director, and producer, along with his production company Wayfarer Studios and others, has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, citing allegations of libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud, and breach of an implied-in-fact contract. The lawsuit appears to be a response to Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and what is perceived as a retaliatory smear campaign. In his legal filings, Baldoni has specifically named the actress’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing the couple of collaborating to "bully" him. Additionally, the veteran of Jane the Virgin has claimed that Blake attempted a hostile takeover of It Ends With Us following the filming, alleging that she played a role in preventing him from attending the premiere.

Blake Lively's legal representatives have issued a response to the lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni

On January 2, PEOPLE reported that Lively's legal representatives had issued a brief response to the lawsuit filed by her director and co-star. The attorneys stated, “Nothing in this lawsuit alters the claims presented in Ms. Lively’s California Civil Rights Department Complaint.” They further noted, “While we will refrain from discussing this matter publicly, we encourage individuals to review Ms. Lively’s complaint in its entirety. We anticipate addressing all of Wayfarer’s allegations in court.”

Subsequently, Lively has intensified her legal efforts. Following her initial complaint, the actress from It Ends With Us formally submitted a federal complaint against Baldoni’s production company and other parties involved in the film's creation. The legal documents assert, “Wayfarer and its affiliates have breached federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting incidents of sexual harassment and concerns regarding workplace safety. Ms. Lively has initiated this litigation in New York, where a significant portion of the relevant activities outlined in the Complaint occurred, but we reserve the right to seek further legal action in other jurisdictions as deemed appropriate under the law.”

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