Justin Baldoni’s Legal Battle Over ‘Five Feet Apart’ Script: Allegations, Lawsuits, and Net Worth Revealed

Justin Baldoni’s Legal Battle Over ‘Five Feet Apart’ Script: Allegations, Lawsuits, and Net Worth Revealed

DetailInformation
SubjectJustin Baldoni’s past and ongoing legal issues
KeywordsJustin Baldoni’s Lawyer Previously Sued Him for Allegedly Stealing Five Feet Apart Script
Involved PartiesJustin Baldoni, Bryan Freedman, Blake Lively, Travis Flores
Original LawsuitAlleged copyright infringement of Flores’ ‘Three Feet Distance’ screenplay
Outcome of Original LawsuitDismissed by federal court in Los Angeles in March 2022
Recent Legal DisputeAllegations by Blake Lively for harassment and defamation
Movie Inspiration‘Five Feet Apart’ inspired by Claire Wineland
Financial Performance‘Five Feet Apart’ earned $92 million on a $7 million budget
Current Lawsuit DevelopmentsBaldoni suing Lively for $400 million in damages
Public StatementsBoth sides vehemently deny each other’s allegations

UPDATE: January 23, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET

Attorney Bryan Freedman has issued a statement regarding his prior lawsuit against actor and director Justin Baldoni, clarifying the resolution of the case. “In the copyright infringement case, I learned what great people Justin and Wayfarer were,” Freedman stated on January 23. “I learned that they did absolutely nothing wrong and that there was no liability on their part whatsoever.”

Freedman added, “As a result, the case was resolved without any liability on Justin’s or Wayfarer or any other defendant’s part. This only further confirmed to me that Justin and Wayfarer are exceedingly honorable and highly ethical.”

Original Story Below:

Before becoming Justin Baldoni’s legal representative in a high-profile dispute with Blake Lively, Bryan Freedman was involved in a separate case against the actor-director. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Baldoni’s 2019 film ‘Five Feet Apart’ copied significant elements from Travis Flores’ screenplay titled ‘Three Feet Distance.’

In September 2021, Travis Flores, a writer with cystic fibrosis, filed a lawsuit claiming copyright infringement and breach of contract. According to court documents viewed by Us Weekly, Flores accused Baldoni of using confidential aspects of ‘Three Feet Distance’ without permission to craft the storyline of ‘Five Feet Apart.’

The Allegations

The lawsuit alleged that Flores deliberately kept his screenplay away from Baldoni due to a policy of maintaining confidentiality and avoiding sharing work with potential competitors. However, the documents stated that Baldoni had obtained information about Flores’ screenplay through another source.

The court filings further claimed that ‘Five Feet Apart’ borrowed numerous elements from Flores’ story. While Flores sought damages, the lawsuit raised questions about the creative origins of Baldoni’s directorial debut.

Legal Outcome

In March 2022, Bloomberg Law reported that the case was dismissed by a federal court in Los Angeles. Freedman, who initially represented Flores, later expressed admiration for Baldoni and his team, acknowledging their integrity and lack of wrongdoing. “It was evident they were honorable and ethical throughout the process,” Freedman said in his recent statement.

The Success of ‘Five Feet Apart’

Despite the legal challenges, ‘Five Feet Apart’ proved to be a major commercial success. Starring Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse, the film grossed $92 million worldwide on a modest $7 million budget. The poignant love story of two teenagers with cystic fibrosis struck a chord with audiences, with its narrative inspired by YouTuber Claire Wineland, who also had cystic fibrosis.

In a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Baldoni expressed his deep connection to the project. “I hired Claire as a consultant, and her insights shaped the film,” he said. Tragically, Wineland passed away before the movie’s release. “It’s something I’m still dealing with,” Baldoni added.

New Legal Troubles with Blake Lively

While the copyright dispute was resolved, Baldoni’s legal challenges are far from over. In December 2024, The New York Times reported that actress Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and engaging in a “social manipulation” campaign to tarnish her reputation. The allegations have escalated into a contentious legal battle between the two prominent Hollywood figures.

Baldoni has vehemently denied Lively’s claims. In a statement released by Freedman last month, he described the allegations as “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” The actor-director subsequently filed a countersuit against Lively, seeking $400 million in damages for defamation and false light invasion of privacy.

Lively’s Response

Lively’s legal team responded to the countersuit, stating, “It does not refute the evidence in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and it will fail.” They further argued that Baldoni’s actions were consistent with a pattern of behavior that undermined Lively’s professional standing.

Media Attention and Public Reaction

The ongoing legal battle has drawn significant media scrutiny, with both sides presenting starkly opposing narratives. Fans and observers remain divided, with some defending Baldoni’s reputation as a champion of ethical filmmaking and others supporting Lively’s courage in speaking out.

Amid the controversy, Baldoni has continued his work in Hollywood. His recent projects include directing the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller It Ends With Us, a project that has also faced its share of drama. Reports suggest disputes arose over creative control and final edits, further complicating relationships among the cast and crew.

Legal and Professional Challenges

The lawsuits against Baldoni highlight the complexities of creative industries where collaboration, intellectual property, and personal relationships frequently intersect. For Baldoni, these challenges come at a critical juncture in his career, as he navigates the pressures of maintaining his artistic vision while addressing allegations that threaten to overshadow his achievements.

Justin Baldoni: Net Worth and Biography

Net Worth

Justin Baldoni, a multifaceted actor, director, and producer, is reported to have an estimated net worth of $12 million as of 2025. His success in Hollywood stems from his roles in popular television series like Jane the Virgin, his directorial debut with Five Feet Apart, and other creative ventures, including his production company, Wayfarer Studios. His 2019 film Five Feet Apart grossed $92 million worldwide on a modest $7 million budget, contributing significantly to his financial success.

Biography

CategoryDetails
Full NameJustin Louis Baldoni
BirthdateJanuary 24, 1984
Age40 years (as of 2025)
BirthplaceLos Angeles, California, USA
ProfessionActor, Director, Producer
Notable WorksJane the Virgin, Five Feet Apart
Production CompanyWayfarer Studios
SpouseEmily Baldoni
Children2 (Maiya Grace Baldoni, Maxwell Roland-Samuel Baldoni)
PhilanthropyActively supports cystic fibrosis awareness and various humanitarian initiatives
Legal IssuesInvolved in legal disputes, including lawsuits over copyright infringement and defamation.

Overview of Legal Issues

The “Five Feet Apart” Lawsuit

In 2021, Justin Baldoni was sued for alleged copyright infringement by Travis Flores, who claimed Baldoni’s Five Feet Apart bore significant similarities to his script Three Feet Distance. The case was dismissed in 2022 without any liability on Baldoni’s part. Bryan Freedman, who initially represented Flores, later clarified that Baldoni and his production team acted ethically and honorably.

Blake Lively Allegations

In 2024, Blake Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and alleged a defamation campaign against her. Baldoni denied the claims and counter-sued Lively for $400 million, accusing her of attempting to tarnish his reputation. Both lawsuits are ongoing, with each side firmly defending their position.

Impact on Career

Despite legal challenges, Baldoni continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, balancing his work as a storyteller with advocacy for social causes, particularly those centered around health awareness and equality.

Conclusion

As the legal battles unfold, the entertainment industry and the public will closely watch how these disputes are resolved. For Baldoni, the stakes are high, with his reputation, career, and personal integrity on the line. Similarly, for Lively and others involved, the outcomes will serve as a testament to the importance of accountability and truth in high-profile cases.

Disclaimer: The content provided above is based on publicly available information as of January 23, 2025. The article does not intend to make any allegations or statements about the individuals mentioned. All legal claims and disputes discussed are subject to ongoing judicial proceedings and may evolve over time. Readers are advised to follow official sources for updates.

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