Dec. 31, 2024: Legal Action Initiated by Baldoni, Wayfarer, and Other Plaintiffs Against The New York Times
On December 31, a coalition of plaintiffs including Baldoni, Wayfarer, Heath, Sarowitz, Nathan, TAG, Abel, RWA Communications, Wallace, and Street Relations took significant legal action by filing a lawsuit against The New York Times. This legal move highlights ongoing tensions and disputes within the entertainment industry, particularly surrounding claims of misconduct and reputational damage.
The lawsuit, details of which were revealed through E! News, accuses The New York Times of serious allegations including libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud, and breach of implied-in-fact contract. These accusations stem from an article that purportedly outlined a retaliatory smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by the plaintiffs against actress Lively after she raised concerns about alleged misconduct on set. Such allegations, if proven, could have profound implications for all parties involved.
The plaintiffs vehemently contest the report’s accuracy, labeling it as “false” and asserting that it was primarily based on Lively?s California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (CRD) complaint. They maintain that the messages referenced in both the article and complaint were taken out of context, significantly altering the narrative.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argue, ?Despite its claim to have ‘reviewed these along with other documents[,]’ the Times relied almost entirely on Lively?s unverified and self-serving narrative,” emphasizing that the publication lifted Lively?s accounts nearly verbatim while neglecting substantial evidence that contradicted her assertions and revealed her true intentions. This claim raises questions about journalistic integrity and the responsibilities of media outlets.
Moreover, the lawsuit contends that it was actually Lively who engaged in a calculated smear campaign against the plaintiffs, a claim she has firmly denied. This counter-claim adds another layer of complexity to the case, illustrating the contentious nature of the interactions between the parties involved.
Responding to these allegations, The New York Times has stated its intention to “vigorously defend against the lawsuit.” The publication has expressed confidence in its journalistic methods, stating, ?The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead,? highlighting their commitment to thorough reporting.
They further asserted to E!, ?Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article.” This defense underscores the ongoing debate over media accountability and the challenges faced by journalists in navigating complex narratives.
