Blake Lively's alleged text messages to Justin Baldoni included a reference to Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift and 'Game of Thrones'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “It Ends With Us” actor and director Justin Baldoni has sued his co-star Blake Lively and her husband, “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion on Thursday in the latest move in a bitter legal battle surrounding the dark romantic drama.

Justin Baldoni, in his Jan. 16 lawsuit against Blake Lively, is claiming the actress-producer urged their 'It Ends with Us' costar Isabela Ferrer to 'shun' him 'in an early attempt to give fans the impression that Baldoni had committed an egregious sin.

Baldoni, in a lawsuit filed in New York federal court on Thursday, alleges extortion, defamation and claims related to breach of contract, among several others. He’s joined by his film studio, Wayfarer, and its chief executive Jamey Heath, and their public relations representatives, Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel. They seek at least $400 million.

Justin Baldoni is taking legal action against his "It Ends With Us" co-star and her husband in a lawsuit he filed on Thursday.

The "Deadpool" franchise is named in Justin Baldoni's new lawsuit against "It Ends With Us" costar Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. Here's why.

In Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit against Blake Lively, the “It Ends With Us” director shared photos of him allegedly “being held” in the basement at the movie’s New York premiere due to their ongoing feud.

Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400 million over “It Ends With Us” debacle. Justin Baldoni is suing his “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation, the latest lawsuit in a messy court battle tied to the hit movie’s behind-the-scenes drama and botched promotional campaign.

Baldoni, his publicist Jennifer Abel, Wayfarer Studios and CEO Jamey Heath are all listed as plaintiffs. Baldoni also hit The New York Times with a $250 million defamation lawsuit, alleging that a story focusing on Lively’s troubles working with Baldoni included “a defamatory headline designed to immediately mislead the reader.”

Blake Lively is speaking up after Baldoni filed a second lawsuit this time a bombshell lawsuit against herself and husband Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against the two, over what transpired on the set of It Ends With Us and in the weeks following the movie’s release.

Lively's legal team issued a statement after Baldoni's 179-page lawsuit, claiming it's "another chapter in the abuser playbook."