Crisis PR Firm Wrongfully Sues Blake Lively for Defamation Amid 'It Ends With Us' Feud

written by a member of the WCB

In a startling twist to the ongoing legal saga surrounding the troubled production of "It Ends With Us," actress Blake Lively finds herself at the center of yet another lawsuit - this time, wrongfully accused of defamation by crisis public relations firm Street Relations and its owner, Jed Wallace.

The lawsuit, filed in Texas federal court on February 5, 2025, alleges that Lively defamed Wallace and his firm in a complaint she filed with the California Civil Rights Department in December. However, legal experts are already questioning the validity of these claims, suggesting that the suit may be nothing more than a retaliatory move in response to Lively's sexual harassment allegations against her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.

According to the complaint, Wallace and Street Relations are seeking a staggering $7 million in damages, claiming that Lively's accusations have caused "millions of dollars in reputational harm." The PR firm denies any involvement in the alleged smear campaign against Lively, which she claims was orchestrated by Baldoni's team.

Lively's legal team has swiftly responded to the lawsuit, dismissing it as "another nine-figure lawsuit seeking to sue Ms. Lively 'into oblivion' for speaking out against sexual harassment and retaliation." They argue that this latest legal action is a transparent attempt at intimidation and retaliation against Lively for her initial complaint to the California Civil Rights Department.

The wrongful nature of the lawsuit becomes apparent when examining the facts. Lively did not name Wallace or Street Relations as defendants in her formal lawsuit against Baldoni, yet Wallace claims the damage was done merely by mentioning them in her initial complaint. This raises questions about the legitimacy of their defamation claims and the true motives behind the lawsuit.

Furthermore, Lively's attorneys assert that the lawsuit will be dismissed, highlighting the lack of substance in the allegations. They welcome the opportunity to hold Wallace accountable in federal court, suggesting confidence in their client's position and the frivolous nature of the defamation claims.

This latest legal maneuver adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious dispute between Lively and Baldoni. The feud, which began with allegations of sexual harassment on the set of "It Ends With Us," has escalated into a series of lawsuits and counter-suits, with both parties accusing each other of defamation and engaging in smear campaigns.

As the legal battle continues to unfold, industry observers and legal experts are closely watching the case, noting the potential implications for how sexual harassment allegations are handled in Hollywood and the lengths to which parties may go to protect their reputations.

The wrongful lawsuit against Lively serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who speak out against alleged misconduct in the entertainment industry. It also highlights the complex web of PR firms, legal teams, and media strategies that often come into play in high-profile disputes.

As the March 2026 trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the federal court to see how this latest chapter in the Lively-Baldoni saga unfolds. For now, Blake Lively stands firm in her position, ready to defend herself against what her team describes as baseless and retaliatory legal action.