Blake Lively has filed a complaint against her co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment during the filming of their movie, “It Ends With Us.” The complaint details several instances of inappropriate behavior on set, including instances where Baldoni allegedly showed her explicit images and improvised intimate interactions that were not discussed or rehearsed prior to filming.
The situation escalated to the point that an urgent meeting was convened on January 4, which included Lively, Baldoni, executives from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wayfarer Studios, and Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds. During this meeting, a range of troubling issues was discussed, including Baldoni’s alleged retaliatory actions and inappropriate comments.
In response, Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s legal representative, firmly denied the allegations, calling them “categorically false” and suggesting that they are intended to harm Baldoni’s reputation instead. Freedman claimed that Lively’s negative public perception stemmed from her own remarks during promotional activities for the film, claiming she was attempting to mitigate that damage through the complaint.
Lively’s allegations include instances where Baldoni allegedly pressured her to simulate nudity in a birthing scene, despite it not being part of the original script. Furthermore, Baldoni is described as having exhibited unprofessional behavior by failing to keep the film set private while filming a scene that left Lively partially nude. The complaint alleges Baldoni made inappropriate personal comments, which contributed to a highly uncomfortable working environment.
The complaint, which could precede a lawsuit, also indicates that a crisis communications team was hired to counter what was perceived as a smear campaign against Lively during the film’s promotional period. This situation caught public attention when fans speculated about behind-the-scenes turmoil based on the cast’s red carpet interactions and social media behavior.
Lively’s complaint aims to expose power dynamics in Hollywood that silence victims of workplace misconduct. In a broader context, her aim is to raise awareness about the importance of speaking out against harassment and ensuring that such behavior does not go unchallenged in the entertainment industry.
In this challenging moment, Lively’s commitment to speaking out can inspire others to do the same and potentially foster a safer and more respectful environment in the film industry, emphasizing the importance of addressing workplace misconduct. It is a reminder that raising awareness can lead to systemic change and protections for individuals who experience harassment or abuse.