The lawsuit alleges breach of contract, smear campaigns, and a conspiracy to sabotage reputations, shaking Hollywood to its core.
The Breach of Contract Allegations
Jones claims that Baldoni abruptly terminated their $25,000-per-month contract in August, a breach of their agreed terms. The contract was reportedly severed shortly after publicist Jennifer Abel left Jonesworks, the PR firm Jones founded, to start her own agency.
According to the lawsuit, Baldoni’s decision to end the contract was unjustified, leaving Jones blindsided and facing financial and reputational damage. “This termination not only violates the terms of our agreement but also reflects a calculated effort to undermine my business,” Jones stated in the filing.
A Smear Campaign Unveiled
Jones’ lawsuit goes further, alleging that Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, two key figures in Baldoni’s PR strategy, orchestrated a smear campaign against Blake Lively, Baldoni’s co-star in the film It Ends With Us. Jones insists she had no prior knowledge of or involvement in the campaign but discovered the evidence after Abel returned her company phone, revealing incriminating text messages and emails.
“It became clear that Abel and Nathan, in collaboration with Baldoni and his studio, devised a no-holds-barred strategy to deflect attention from Baldoni’s on-set behavior by discrediting Lively,” the lawsuit alleges. Jones contends that these actions were carried out behind her back and that she is now being falsely implicated in the scandal.
Retaliation and Reputation Damage
Jones further accuses Abel and Nathan of poaching her clients, tarnishing her reputation within the industry, and shifting blame for the smear campaign onto her. “Their actions are not only defamatory but also malicious, aiming to destroy my credibility and livelihood,” she said.
Additionally, Jones alleges that Baldoni himself became increasingly concerned about potential allegations from Lively, prompting him to engage in the retaliatory efforts. The lawsuit states that the strategy was designed to suppress any revelations about Baldoni’s alleged misconduct on set, including unplanned physical contact and inappropriate comments.
Hollywood Reacts
The allegations against Baldoni and his team have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, further escalating the ongoing controversy involving Blake Lively. Industry insiders are calling this lawsuit a “bombshell” that could have far-reaching implications for all parties involved.
Blake Lively has already filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Now, with Jones’ allegations adding fuel to the fire, the scrutiny on Baldoni and his studio, Wayfarer, is intensifying.
With legal battles on multiple fronts and shocking details emerging daily, this saga is far from over. Hollywood and the public will be closely watching as the truth behind these explosive allegations comes to light.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
