Actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a libel lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the publication of conspiring with actress Blake Lively’s public relations team to advance an “unverified and self-serving narrative” that negatively impacted his reputation. In the complaint filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Baldoni seeks at least $250 million in damages, alleging fraud, breach of contract, and libel.

Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, claimed the Times participated in a “vicious smear campaign,” accusing the paper of caving to the demands of Hollywood elites—Lively and her team. Freedman argued that the paper ignored journalistic ethics by publishing manipulated texts and omitting key evidence that contradicted Lively’s claims. He further asserted that the story was aimed at revitalizing Lively’s public image while undermining Baldoni’s reputation.

“The Times deliberately disregarded facts and aided a PR campaign designed to harm my client,” Freedman said in a statement. He also hinted at additional lawsuits against those involved in the alleged smear.

In response, The New York Times denied the allegations, standing by its reporting. A spokesperson for the newspaper emphasized that the story was “meticulously and responsibly reported,” based on a thorough review of thousands of original documents, including text messages and emails that were quoted accurately. The Times added that Baldoni had not pointed out any specific errors in the article.

Lively’s legal team dismissed Baldoni’s claims, stating that the lawsuit does not alter the merits of her ongoing legal complaints. Lively had previously filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni and others of creating a hostile environment. Her federal complaint was filed on the same day as Baldoni’s lawsuit.

Baldoni’s legal action follows a separate complaint filed by Stephanie Jones, a former publicist for Baldoni, who accused him of breaching their contract. Jones claims she was forced out of her role as a result of concerns that Lively would publicly accuse Baldoni of misconduct. Jones’s allegations were brought forward days before Lively’s own legal action against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer, as well as public relations representatives Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel.

The legal dispute centers around text message exchanges and emails between Lively, Baldoni, and members of their PR teams. One exchange included a conversation where Abel reportedly suggested using tough tactics to “bury” Lively. Other messages revealed that Baldoni was invited into Lively’s makeup trailer, which Lively alleged was an inappropriate act.

In addition, Lively’s complaint also included accusations of sexual misconduct involving producer Jamey Heath. Heath has denied the allegations, stating that the video he showed Lively was not explicit but was part of a creative discussion for a birthing scene in the movie.

Baldoni’s lawsuit claims that the Times ignored evidence contradicting Lively’s allegations and rushed to publish the story, giving Baldoni’s PR team only 14 hours to respond before the December 21st publication. Freedman argues that The New York Times overlooked facts that would have exposed Lively’s narrative as baseless.

As the legal battle between Baldoni, Lively, and The New York Times continues, the case is set to capture further public attention as more evidence and claims are presented in the courtrooms.