Justin Baldoni: Lawyer Responds to WME-Releasing Claims
Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has addressed Ari Emanuel’s reasons for supposedly dropping the actor-director as a client.
"Mr. Ari Emanuel is one of the best agents and clearly the most loyal in Hollywood," Freedman stated to the Daily Mail on February 14. He remarked that "Ari’s view might differ if he had met us during the five years we were clients of his agency."
Emanuel, chief executive of WME’s parent company Endeavor, recently claimed he terminated Baldoni over loyalty to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. This decision came shortly after news of Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni broke in December 2024.
Emanuel remarked during a live taping of the "Freakonomics" podcast, "It is a messed-up situation regarding Baldoni. He was my client until I fired him." When questioned about the details of the firing, Emanuel added, "I am a ride or die. And [Lively and Reynolds] are good people."
Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment and for creating a "hostile work environment" during the filming of "It Ends With Us." The suit alleges Baldoni sought to damage her reputation. In response, Baldoni denied these allegations and initiated a defamation lawsuit against Lively, naming Reynolds, 48, in his motion. The couple has steadfastly denied the accusations.
Emanuel conveyed skepticism regarding Baldoni's perspective. He stated, "It’s not fair. I’ve known Ryan and Blake for over a decade. They’re incredible people who have been successful in Hollywood without any bad reputation." Emanuel emphasized their charitable efforts, stating, "We help them with their foundation, and they’ve donated extensively."
Additionally, Emanuel found it hard to believe Baldoni’s version of events. He said, "If what’s alleged in her lawsuit is accurate, it paints them as horrible people. Blake and Ryan are good people." He characterized social media as beneficial for connecting stars with their fans, but suggested Baldoni and his team might be misusing it.
Emanuel urged Baldoni’s team to cease their claims, given they believe in their innocence. Freedman continues to advocate for Baldoni’s position, creating a website to display their alleged evidence. "Let the process play out," Emanuel advised. "These are good people with decades of positive press. If the allegations are true, then they are indeed bad individuals."
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