Blake Lively has filed a legal complaint against her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and a subsequent campaign to harm her reputation. The complaint, which was filed with the California Civil Rights Department, names Baldoni, the studio behind the film, and Baldoni’s publicists as defendants.
In the document, Lively alleges that following a meeting where she and her husband Ryan Reynolds addressed what they described as “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior” from Baldoni and a producer, a “multi-tiered plan” was initiated to tarnish her image. The strategy purportedly involved manipulating online conversations and orchestrating a social media campaign aimed at discrediting Lively.
The complaint claims that Baldoni engaged publicists and crisis management professionals in what was characterized as a “sophisticated, coordinated, and well-financed retaliation plan.” Lively stated that these efforts were designed to undermine her credibility if she chose to go public with her allegations.
Furthermore, Baldoni reportedly altered the marketing approach for the film to protect his public image. Bryan Freedman, the attorney representing Baldoni and the studio, contested Lively’s claims, describing them as false and suggesting that the studio had hired a crisis manager in response to multiple demands and threats made by Lively.
Among the demands listed by Lively were prohibitions against discussions of pornography and other sexual topics on set, as well as regulations to maintain her comfort and safety during filming, including the presence of an intimacy coordinator in scenes with Baldoni.
In her statement, Lively expressed hope that her legal actions would shed light on retaliatory tactics used against those who speak out about misconduct and contribute to safeguarding others in similar situations.
“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s acclaimed 2016 novel, had a successful release in August with a strong box office performance, but the controversy surrounding the lead actors overshadowed the film’s success.
This situation highlights the critical importance of addressing workplace safety and the serious implications of harassment in the entertainment industry. As public conversations about misconduct continue to grow, the hope is that more individuals will feel empowered to come forward and that the industry will take meaningful steps to create safer environments for all.
Summary: Blake Lively has accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliatory actions following her complaints about his behavior on the set of “It Ends With Us.” The complaint details a coordinated effort to damage her reputation, which Baldoni’s attorney denies. Lively’s actions aim to raise awareness about workplace misconduct and protect others in similar situations.