Justin Baldoni’s public relations representative, Jennifer Abel, is back in the spotlight as she targets her previous employer, Stephanie Jones, amid an ongoing personal lawsuit initiated by Jones in December. This legal battle not only highlights the tumultuous relationship between the parties but also raises significant questions about trust and ethics in the public relations industry.

Abel has chosen to enlist the services of Baldoni’s formidable attorney, Bryan Freedman, who has made serious allegations against Stephanie. Freedman claims that Jones instigated the entire legal turmoil surrounding Baldoni and Blake Lively, particularly relating to their film “It Ends with Us.” This situation not only affects the individuals involved but also has broader implications for the film’s production and the reputations of those associated with it.

Freedman has officially filed counterclaims on behalf of Abel against Jones, who serves as the CEO of the PR company Jonesworks, which continues to manage Justin’s public relations. This move indicates a strategic legal response aimed at not only defending Abel but also potentially undermining Jones’s credibility in this complex legal landscape.

In a statement provided to TMZ, Freedman emphasized, “It is clear that Stephanie Jones initiated this catastrophic sequence of events by violating the most basic privacy rights and undermining any trust that her clients had placed in her.” This assertion raises serious concerns about ethical practices within the public relations field and the responsibilities of those in such influential positions.

Freedman further asserts that Stephanie is “no stranger to creating crises for departing clients,” alleging that she maliciously shared “communications from a phone she wrongfully took from her own partner to her associate Leslie Sloane, immediately after Jones was terminated for cause by Wayfarer due to her own misconduct.” This accusation not only suggests unethical behavior but also highlights the potential legal ramifications of her actions in the competitive world of PR.

Freedman continues by claiming that Lively “walked right into Ms. Jones’ scheme of bitter revenge against her most-trusted employee at the expense of her own long-term client.” This statement not only portrays a dramatic narrative but also reflects the high stakes involved in the entertainment industry where personal relationships and professional dynamics often collide.

The attorney concluded with a strong declaration: “We will not rest until our clients are exonerated from all allegations of wrongdoing and are compensated for the significant damages they have suffered.” This statement underscores the determination of Freedman and his team to vigorously defend their clients’ interests in this escalating legal confrontation.

In the latest court documents filed on Thursday, Abel has responded to Jones’ lawsuit against her, Baldoni, and Baldoni’s crisis management consultant Melissa Nathan. Abel has made several counterclaims, including invasion of privacy, false light, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, highlighting the complex layers of this legal battle and the serious implications for all parties involved.

Recently, Baldoni has initiated several significant lawsuits, including a staggering $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Leslie Sloane. This legal action not only reflects the seriousness of the allegations but also highlights the intricate web of relationships and conflicts that often characterize the entertainment industry.

Within the lawsuit, Baldoni alleges that the three defendants orchestrated a smear campaign against him to seize control of the film “It Ends with Us.” This claim points to the contentious nature of the film’s production and the lengths individuals may go to protect their interests in a competitive landscape.

Interestingly, Lively filed suit first against Baldoni in December, accusing him of sexual harassment on the film set and subsequently launching a targeted smear campaign against her in the media. This turn of events adds a layer of complexity to the already fraught legal situation and raises questions about the power dynamics at play in Hollywood.

Kristin Tahler, a partner at Quinn Emmanuel representing Jones, informed TMZ, “Ms. Jones’ lawsuit is based entirely on facts and concrete evidence. This suit clearly demonstrates that Jen Abel conspired with Melissa Nathan and others to misappropriate a significant amount of confidential documents, clients, and staff, ultimately attempting to dismantle the business that Ms. Jones has devoted decades to building.”

Tahler further elaborated, “Abel, Nathan, Baldoni, and their co-defendants attempted to achieve these results through intimidation, distortion, and blatant disparagement. These claims are substantiated by dozens of messages presented in the lawsuit we filed last month and cannot be credibly disputed.” This assertion underlines the contentious nature of this legal dispute and the potential ramifications for all involved.