Blake Lively, the star of the hit film It Ends With Us, has made a shocking accusation against director and co-star Justin Baldoni, claiming he engaged in sexual harassment during the movie’s production. Lively’s legal complaint, obtained by sources, paints a picture of troubling behavior from Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath, alleging that their actions caused significant emotional distress to Lively and her family.
Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior and Harassment
In the legal filing submitted to the California Civil Rights Department, Lively accuses Baldoni of making several unprofessional and inappropriate comments and actions. During a crucial meeting in January 2024, aimed at discussing her return to the set after the end of the actors’ and writers’ strikes, Lively reportedly outlined a series of unsettling incidents. Among her complaints, she alleges that he discussed her weight with her trainer, pressured her to reveal personal information about her religious beliefs, and shared explicit details about his own sex life.
Lively also accuses Baldoni and Heath of entering her makeup trailer without permission, including when she was breastfeeding her infant child. One of the most disturbing claims involved Heath showing Lively a video of his wife giving birth, an act Lively deemed highly inappropriate. Lively made it clear that her concerns were not only personal but extended to the other female cast and crew members, several of whom had reportedly voiced similar complaints.
Demands for Professionalism and a Smear Campaign
Lively demanded that he refrain from adding any additional sex scenes to the film beyond what was originally scripted and approved before filming. Sony Pictures, the distributor of It Ends With Us, allegedly supported her request. However, Lively claims that he retaliated with what she described as a “smear campaign” against her, aimed at tarnishing her public image. She accuses Baldoni of using “social manipulation” to destroy her reputation following her demands.
The actress also claims that he and Heath engaged in inappropriate conversations about their past sexual relationships and pornography addiction. Moreover, Baldoni reportedly claimed that he could communicate with the dead, specifically referencing Lively’s late father, Ernie Lively. Lively called this behavior “off-putting” and deeply disrespectful.
The Response from Baldoni’s Legal Team
Baldoni’s legal representatives have fiercely denied Lively’s allegations. In a statement, Bryan Freedman, attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, called the accusations “shameful” and “categorically false.” Freedman further suggested that Lively’s complaints were a reaction to her own actions during the promotional campaign for the film. He claimed that Lively’s negative reputation stemmed from her remarks and behavior in public interviews and press activities, not from Baldoni’s actions.
Freedman’s statement also accused Lively of orchestrating a media strategy to harm Baldoni’s image, including using her public relations representative to spread negative, fabricated stories about him. According to Freedman, Wayfarer Studios took proactive steps to hire a crisis manager before the film’s release, anticipating potential issues stemming from Lively’s conduct on set.
Alleged Retaliation and Manipulated Media Campaign
The legal filing details a sophisticated retaliation campaign launched by Baldoni and his PR team. It claims that Baldoni’s associates created and promoted content on social media platforms designed to vilify Lively and protect Baldoni’s reputation. The strategy allegedly involved using digital “subcontractors” to amplify favorable narratives and suppress any negative coverage of Baldoni’s behavior.
The complaint also includes text messages and emails between Baldoni’s PR team discussing strategies to mitigate the fallout from Lively’s complaints. In one exchange, a publicist praises Baldoni for his “luck” in handling the situation, further highlighting the manipulative nature of the campaign.
Fallout and Future of the Franchise
The tension between Lively and Baldoni during the promotion of It Ends With Us was widely speculated, with the two stars never appearing together in public events for the film. Despite the drama surrounding their off-screen relationship, It Ends With Us proved to be a major box office success, grossing $350 million worldwide. However, a source close to the film has suggested that the sequel, It Starts With Us, may never come to fruition, citing the irreparable rift between the two stars.
Lively’s complaint is not just about personal grievances but also aims to shed light on the broader issue of retaliation against those who speak out against misconduct in the entertainment industry. In a statement to The New York Times, Lively expressed hope that her legal action would help protect others who might be targeted by similar behavior.
As the legal battle continues, the fallout from this high-profile dispute could have lasting repercussions for the individuals involved and the broader entertainment industry.
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