Travis Flores Lawsuit

Justin Baldoni’s Copyright Controversy: The Lawsuit Filed by Travis Flores

A Case of Alleged Theft: The Story Behind Five Feet Apart

Justin Baldoni, known for his directorial ventures and advocacy work, has found himself entangled in multiple legal battles over the years. One such case, which gained significant attention in Hollywood, was the copyright infringement lawsuit filed against him by writer and activist Travis Flores. The case, which was settled in 2022, raised serious questions about intellectual property rights and ethical filmmaking practices in the industry.

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The Origins of Three Feet Distance

Travis Flores, a writer and cystic fibrosis activist, began working on his screenplay, Three Feet Distance, in 2010. The story was deeply personal to him, drawing inspiration from his own experiences living with cystic fibrosis (CF). The title referenced medical guidance that CF patients should remain at least three feet apart to prevent cross-infection, adding authenticity and realism to his script.

By 2016, Flores shared his script with several Ambry Genetics representatives, including Caleb Remington, under the understanding that it would be kept confidential. The following year, CBS Films announced the development of an untitled cystic fibrosis-themed film in collaboration with Justin Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Entertainment.

In 2018, Baldoni invited Flores to appear in My Last Days, a documentary series he produced about individuals with terminal illnesses. While Flores participated in the project, he remained cautious about not sharing his screenplay with Baldoni, recognizing the potential conflict of interest given Baldoni’s upcoming feature film.

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The Lawsuit: Three Feet Distance vs. Five Feet Apart

In 2021, Flores filed a copyright infringement and breach of contract lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging that Five Feet Apart—which premiered in 2019—had copied numerous elements from his script Three Feet Distance without permission.

According to the lawsuit, Flores believed that Caleb Remington had provided Baldoni with significant portions of his script, allowing Baldoni to develop Five Feet Apart, which bore striking similarities to Three Feet Distance. The complaint alleged that Baldoni’s film copied key themes, character arcs, and the fundamental premise of the story, raising concerns about intellectual property theft in the industry.

In response, Baldoni and his legal team denied the allegations. However, the case was settled in March 2022, with the terms remaining undisclosed. The settlement left many questions unanswered, as neither side publicly commented on the outcome.

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Travis Flores’ Legacy and the Industry’s Response

Travis Flores’ fight for recognition in the entertainment industry was a testament to the challenges many emerging writers face when larger studios adapt similar concepts. Unfortunately, Flores passed away in May 2024 due to complications from cystic fibrosis. His contributions to storytelling and CF advocacy left a lasting impact, but his legal battle against Baldoni remains a cautionary tale for creatives in Hollywood.

The lawsuit against Baldoni highlights an ongoing issue in the entertainment industry: the fine line between inspiration and infringement. While Baldoni continues to defend his integrity as a filmmaker, the accusations surrounding Five Feet Apart add to a growing list of controversies involving the director.

With the increasing number of intellectual property disputes in Hollywood, Flores’ case serves as a reminder for screenwriters and creatives to protect their work diligently and ensure that their voices are heard.

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Final Thoughts

The Five Feet Apart lawsuit is just one of the legal battles Baldoni has faced. As Hollywood continues to navigate ethical storytelling and copyright law, the case of Travis Flores vs. Justin Baldoni will likely be referenced in discussions about writer protections, script confidentiality, and the power dynamics in the industry.

While Flores’ legal fight may have ended in a settlement, the broader conversation about intellectual property rights and ethical filmmaking remains more relevant than ever.

Sources:

• Page Six: Justin Baldoni’s lawyer previously represented man suing actor over ‘Five Feet Apart’ script
• Various legal filings related to Three Feet Distance vs. Five Feet Apart