Stephanie Jones Sues Former Employees and Justin Baldoni Over Smear Plot Allegations

Celebrity publicist Stephanie Jones, whose star-studded roster includes Tom Brady, Venus Williams, and Russell Wilson, is making headlines after filing a lawsuit against her former employee, Jennifer Abel; crisis PR specialist, Melissa Nathan; and actor-producer Justin Baldoni.

The lawsuit comes in the wake of allegations that Jennifer and Melissa orchestrated a smear campaign—not just against It Ends With Us star Blake Lively, but also against Jones herself. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Jones alleges that the two conspired to tarnish her reputation, steal her clients, and enrich themselves after Jennifer planned to leave her firm.

In the lawsuit, Jones claims Jennifer was handling Baldoni’s PR and brought in Melissa as a crisis management consultant when tensions surrounding the It Ends With Us controversy began to escalate. However, Jones asserts their true agenda was “tearing down Jones’ reputation to take her clients.”

The suit features a slew of alleged text messages between Jennifer and Melissa, painting a picture of betrayal. In one exchange, Melissa reportedly told Jennifer, “Once you are gone, we will be on accounts together and make really good money and be happy.”

Another alleged message shows Jennifer openly criticizing Baldoni, saying, “I can’t stand him. He’s so pompous … you’re not that important, and nobody gives a s**t how hard your life is.” She even allegedly predicted the failure of It Ends With Us, writing, “He needs to be humbled. When this movie flops, he’s going to try to blame every person around him for it.”

Jones also accuses the duo of targeting her directly. The suit cites an article headlined, “Who’s Afraid of Stephanie Jones?” as a planted hit piece, and another text exchange reveals Jennifer reportedly saying, “We are going to war … I feel so alive hahahahah,” to which Melissa allegedly replied, “Leaving with a BANG.”

Things reportedly came to a head in August when Jones discovered Jennifer had downloaded confidential company documents. Jennifer was promptly fired, and the texts came to light during a review of her devices.

Jones is suing Baldoni, Jennifer, Melissa, and Baldoni’s company, Wayfarer Studios, for defamation, breach of contract, and other claims. Through her attorney, Kristin Tahler, Jones stated, “For months, this group has gaslit and disparaged Stephanie Jones and her company for financial gain, to settle personal scores, and most recently to distract from their disgraceful smearing of Blake Lively.”

Jones is seeking damages for what she says is harm to the reputation she’s worked decades to build.

What do you think of the drama unfolding between Stephanie Jones and her former team? Do you think Hollywood PR wars are getting out of hand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!