Actor Rejects Defamation Claims, Asserts First Amendment Rights in Legal Battle Over ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Character
Reynolds Argues Baldoni’s Lawsuit is an Attempt to Silence His Opinion
⚖️ Legal Showdown: Reynolds vs. Baldoni
Hollywood actor and producer Ryan Reynolds has filed a motion to dismiss Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit, arguing that Baldoni’s claims are based on “hurt feelings” rather than legal grounds.
📜 “Calling someone a ‘predator’ is a constitutionally protected opinion,” Reynolds’ legal team stated in court documents, as per Variety.
The lawsuit stems from Baldoni’s claims that Reynolds used the character “Nicepool” in the upcoming film ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ to mock his “woke feminist” reputation.
🔹 Baldoni’s Allegations:
- Claims Reynolds insulted and berated him, accusing him of “fat-shaming” Blake Lively.
- Accuses Reynolds of calling him a ‘sexual predator’ and pressuring talent agency WME to drop him.
- Alleges a campaign to destroy his career through false accusations.
🔹 Reynolds’ Defense:
- Denies defamation, stating he genuinely believes Baldoni’s behavior is predatory.
- Asserts his right to express strong opinions, especially regarding allegations made by his wife, Blake Lively.
- Labels the lawsuit a ‘burn book of grievances’, attempting to shame him for supporting his wife.
🔥 “Hurt Feelings Don’t Make a Lawsuit” – Reynolds’ Motion
Reynolds’ legal team dismissed Baldoni’s claims as “thin-skinned outrage”, emphasizing that expressing disdain towards someone is not defamation.
📢 “The law establishes that calling someone a ‘predator’ amounts to constitutionally protected opinion,” the motion states.
🔹 First Amendment Argument:
- Reynolds’ opinions are protected free speech.
- His criticism of Baldoni does not constitute a false statement of fact.
- “He has every right to believe and say that Baldoni’s actions reflect those of a predator,” the motion argues.
🔹 Legal Precedent:
- Courts have previously ruled that statements of opinion, even strong ones, are not defamation.
- Reynolds’ lawyers argue that public figures must endure harsh criticism without resorting to lawsuits.
💥 Hollywood Controversy & Fallout
This lawsuit follows Blake Lively’s December 2024 legal action against Baldoni, where she accused him of:
✔️ Sexual harassment
✔️ Retaliation on a film set
✔️ Creating a toxic work environment
Baldoni responded by suing both Lively and Reynolds, alleging that their accusations were intended to ruin his career.
📢 “This lawsuit is an attempt to silence a man who dared to stand by his wife and believe her,” Reynolds’ legal team stated.
With both sides digging in for a protracted legal battle, this case could set a precedent for defamation suits involving Hollywood personalities.