Blake Lively's rep seeks dismissal from Justin Baldoni's defamation lawsuit

Blake Lively's public relations representative, Leslie Sloane, has filed a motion to dismiss herself from Justin Baldoni's defamation lawsuit. Sloane argues that she never defamed Baldoni, the director of It Ends With Us, and that the allegedly false statements cited in the lawsuit are opinions that cannot be subject to a defamation claim.

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in 'It Ends With Us.'

Nicole Rivelli/Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sloane's lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, claims that statements made by Sloane, such as "the whole cast doesn't like Justin" and "the whole cast hates him," are "hyperbolic personal sentiments" that cannot be proven true or false. Therefore, they cannot be subject to a defamation claim.

Sloane also argues that the statements were substantially true. She cites details from Baldoni's lawsuit that suggest the cast did indeed shun the director and side with Lively. Additionally, Sloane claims that Baldoni's unwanted sexual conduct, as alleged by Lively, falls within New York's definition of sexual assault.

Sloane's legal team also argues that Baldoni failed to allege actual malice, a necessary component of a defamation claim. Actual malice requires proof that the accused made defamatory statements with knowledge they were false or were recklessly indifferent to their truth.

The motion to dismiss comes after Lively filed a revised lawsuit that includes new allegations. According to sources, two other actresses, Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer, are prepared to testify about their own allegedly uncomfortable experiences with Baldoni.

Sloane is seeking legal fees from Baldoni under a New York law that allows for the early dismissal of lawsuits intended to chill free speech. The case is ongoing, with a court decision expected in the coming months.