Harvey Weinstein, the former producer currently behind bars, has recently made headlines by stepping into the legal fray between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively alongside The New York Times. Weinstein’s decision to back Baldoni stems from his own contentious history with the media giant, drawing striking comparisons to his past experiences.
Weinstein, speaking from prison on April 9, 2025, expressed to TMZ that he believed The Times was guilty of “cherry-picking” facts in Baldoni’s case, similar to what he claims occurred during the 2017 coverage of allegations against him. This perceived bias has prompted Baldoni to sue the publication for $250 million, alleging inaccuracies in their December 2024 article.
In addition to the lawsuit against The Times, Baldoni has launched another high-stakes legal battle, this time against Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. Accusing Lively of defamation and extortion, Baldoni’s lawsuit is valued at a staggering $400 million. Meanwhile, Lively has counter-sued, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” As her legal team stated in January 2025, this conflict extends beyond mere “creative differences.”
Weinstein drew parallels between Baldoni’s predicament and his own with The Times. Reflecting on his past silence, he admitted, “I should have had the courage to speak out against the way the truth was twisted. That failure still haunts me.” Megan Twohey, notable for her 2017 reports on Weinstein, is also involved in the Baldoni-Lively article, adding layers to the ongoing media scrutiny.
The New York Times, in its defense, maintains that its reporting was thorough, referencing interviews, settlements, and documents to support their pieces on both Baldoni and Weinstein. They assert that none of the facts in their coverage are disputed. As Weinstein remains imprisoned on Rikers Island, awaiting retrial and serving a separate sentence, the echoes of his past continue to resonate in the unfolding legal battles involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. With a trial on the horizon, the ramifications of this suit could potentially alter public perceptions and media accountability.
