Ryan Reynolds has filed a motion to dismiss Justin Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit, arguing that Baldoni cannot sue him over “hurt feelings.”
The dispute stems from allegations that Reynolds mocked Baldoni’s persona through the character “Nicepool” in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film, a parody that Baldoni claims was meant to ridicule his public image as a “woke feminist.”
The Origins of the Feud
Baldoni, known for directing and starring in It Ends With Us alongside Blake Lively, filed a lawsuit against Reynolds and Lively following their high-profile fallout. After It Ends With Us became a box office success in the summer of 2024, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual misconduct on set. In response, Baldoni countersued, claiming a “smear campaign” was orchestrated against him.
The lawsuit alleges that Reynolds actively participated in the defamation by incorporating Baldoni’s public persona into Deadpool & Wolverine, portraying him in a satirical and damaging light. Baldoni also contends that Reynolds pressured his talent agency, WME, to sever ties with him, further damaging his career.
Reynolds’ Defense: Free Speech & Satire
Reynolds’ legal team has responded with a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that his portrayal of Baldoni is constitutionally protected under the First Amendment. According to court filings, Reynolds’ lawyers stated:
“The allegations suggest that Mr. Reynolds genuinely, perhaps passionately, believes that Mr. Baldoni’s behavior is reflective of a ‘predator.’ The law establishes that calling someone a ‘predator’ amounts to constitutionally protected opinion.”
Reynolds also asserts that Baldoni’s own admissions in past interviews—where he has spoken about “crossing boundaries” and his past struggles with pornography addiction—have contributed to his public image. The legal filing argues that Baldoni cannot claim defamation when Reynolds is merely amplifying what Baldoni himself has publicly acknowledged.
Baldoni’s Legal Counterattack
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has strongly refuted:
“Mr. Reynolds was a key player in the scheme to destroy Justin Baldoni’s career, strong-arming WME to drop him and publicly defaming him at every opportunity. This is not just about ‘hurt feelings’—this is about a deliberate, calculated attack on a professional reputation.”
The lawsuit is seeking $400 million in damages for what Baldoni claims is a coordinated effort to ruin his career and credibility in Hollywood.
What’s Next?
The case is expected to be a landmark battle over free speech and defamation in Hollywood, with potential ramifications for how parody and public personas are treated under the law. If the lawsuit moves forward, both Ryan Reynolds and Justin Baldoni may be called to testify in what could be one of the most closely watched legal battles in entertainment.
The court’s decision on Reynolds’ motion to dismiss will determine whether this feud remains a legal showdown or escalates into a drawn-out trial.
- Teddi Mellencamp Says Her Tumors Are ‘Shrinking or Disappeared’ - April 24, 2025
- Katie Maloney Calls New Vanderpump Rules Reboot ‘Cheap’ and Disappointing - April 24, 2025
- Camille Razat Just Quit Emily in Paris and Fans Are Shattered - April 24, 2025
