Justin Baldoni Sues New York Times for Libel Over 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Blake Lively Story

THE TIMES PLANS TO 'VIGOROUSLY DEFEND' AGAINST THE LAWSUIT

- Associated Press

LOS ANGELES: "It Ends With Us" director Justin Baldoni sued The New York Times for libel on Tuesday over its story on allegations that he sexually harassed and sought to smear the reputation of the film's star, Blake Lively.

The lawsuit seeking at least $250 million was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the next major move in a growing story that has made major waves in Hollywood. It alleges the Times and Lively coordinated a smear campaign against Baldoni and his nine fellow plaintiffs.

The Times stood by its reporting and said it plans to "vigorously defend" against the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs include the film's lead producer Jamey Heath, its production company Wayfarer Studios, and crisis communications expert Melissa Nathan, whose text message was quoted in the headline of the December 21 Times story: ""We Can Bury Anyone": Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine."