Overview

• Ryan Reynolds filed a motion to dismiss Justin Baldoni's defamation lawsuit, asserting that the claims are based on 'hurt feelings' and constitutionally protected opinions.
• The lawsuit accuses Reynolds of defaming Baldoni by calling him a 'predator' and mocking him through the 'Nicepool' character in Deadpool & Wolverine.
• Reynolds' legal team argues that calling someone a 'predator' is protected free speech if believed to be true, and that the 'Nicepool' character is satirical and unrelated to legal claims.
• Baldoni's lawyer alleges Reynolds exploited his Hollywood influence to harm Baldoni's career, including pressuring WME talent agency to drop him as a client.
• The legal battle, which also involves Blake Lively's harassment claims against Baldoni, is set to proceed to trial in March 2026.