Justin Baldoni, known for his role on the hit series 'Jane the Virgin', finds himself at the center of controversy as his former publicist has filed a lawsuit accusing him of orchestrated smear campaigns against his co-star Blake Lively. The lawsuit, submitted on Tuesday, includes serious allegations about both Baldoni and his current publicity team, marking a significant turn of events amid growing tensions within Hollywood.
Steph Jones, the owner of the publicity firm Jonesworks, claims Baldoni breached their contract which mandated him to pay her $25,000 per month. Jones' lawsuit states Baldoni dropped her agency earlier this year following the exit of key publicist Jennifer Abel, who started her own firm. Jones also alleges Abel, alongside another publicist, Melissa Nathan, actively conspired to undermine Lively’s reputation without her consent.
The intensity of this legal dispute escalated after Blake Lively filed her own complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni and his team of negative press tactics as retaliation for her allegations of sexual harassment on set. According to Lively, Baldoni made numerous inappropriate comments during filming, which took place earlier this year, and she raised these issues with her attorneys before the project resumed after the Hollywood strikes.
Text exchanges between Baldoni's team revealed plans to 'bury' Lively's image, indicating deepening discord between the actors as they promoted their film. Lively’s attorneys, utilizing legal methods, acquired these communications, which could prove damaging to Baldoni's case.
Freedman, the attorney representing Baldoni, Abel, and Nathan, has threatened legal action against Jones for allegedly leaking sensitive information from the case. Jones asserts she preserved Abel’s work phone, from which incriminatory evidence reportedly emerged, shedding light on the inner workings of Abel and Nathan's tactics against her.
The lawsuit points to numerous attempts by the publicists to defame Jones, claiming to have planted negative stories about her within the media. The consequences of these allegations present severe repercussions for Baldoni if the claims hold legal weight.
Meanwhile, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) faces scrutiny of its own as it embarks on reforms after exposed failures in managing contracts with its women’s national team. A recent review criticized the union’s handling of negotiations as “a process, governance, and leadership failing”, calling for the establishment of clearer lines of responsibility.
The WRU's challenges were magnified following revelations from the Telegraph Sport investigation, which disclosed threats made against the women’s team, including the potential withdrawal from next year’s World Cup if players did not agree to new contracts. Head coach Ioan Cunningham has since departed, alongside Nigel Walker, the WRU’s executive director of rugby. Players are preparing grievance complaints against him.
The resultant review has highlighted significant deficits in the communication and professionalism expected from the governing body. Recommendations include appointing a dedicated women’s game lead and maintaining transparent processes for contract negotiations, ensuring players are respected as employees.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney acknowledged the pressing need for reform, stating, “We have been humbled by this process but are not jaded by it.” She expressed optimism about the future, especially with plans to appoint a new head coach next month, bringing renewed hope for the Wales women’s national squad.
These high-profile scandals underline the urgent need for accountability and reform within the entertainment and sports industries. Both Baldoni and the WRU are now faced with reputations on the line and the necessity for structural changes to rebuild trust with their respective publics.
