Blake Lively lawsuit not first against Justin Baldoni as workplace discrimination case resurfaces

Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni revives discussion of a dismissed 2021 lawsuit.

As Blake Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni unfolds, a previously dismissed 2021 lawsuit involving similar allegations has resurfaced. According to court documents unearthed by LiveJournal’s gossip community Oh No They Didn’t!, Lively is not the first person to file a lawsuit against Baldoni.

In 2021, Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and investor Steve Sarowitz were sued by a former employee over allegations of wrongful termination, breach of contract, and workplace discrimination. The lawsuit detailed claims of racial bias and workplace retaliation, with the plaintiff alleging a pattern of discriminatory behavior at Wayfarer Studios. The legal dispute, though ultimately dismissed, accused Baldoni and his associates of fostering an environment of exclusion and racial prejudice.

The lawsuit’s documents outlined several incidents, including remarks allegedly made by Wayfarer Studios CFO Brian Singer about the plaintiff’s racial background. The plaintiff also claimed they were labeled an “angry Black man” for raising concerns about racial inequalities in the workplace. Additionally, Wayfarer Studios manager Sarah Politis allegedly flagged a social media post by the plaintiff on racism, insinuating it was a direct criticism of Singer.

The lawsuit further alleged that the plaintiff was excluded from key meetings, demoted, given less severance than colleagues, and ultimately fired under false performance-related claims. The plaintiff contended that the termination was an act of retaliation for speaking out about racial bias.

Although Baldoni’s 2021 lawsuit was dismissed, its resurgence amid Lively’s legal claims has further complicated the controversy. The fallout continues, with Baldoni’s Man Enough podcast now losing one of its key voices—co-host Liz Plank, who announced her resignation shortly after Lively filed her lawsuit.