Blake Lively has filed a formal complaint against her co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment during the production of their film “It Ends With Us.” The complaint, lodged with the California Civil Rights Department, claims that Lively faced escalating issues while filming, culminating in an “all hands” meeting on January 4 to address concerns that had nearly halted the project. Attendees of the meeting included Baldoni, Lively, executives from Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds.
The complaint outlines several serious allegations against Baldoni, who is also the film’s director. It claims he engaged in inappropriate conduct, such as showing nude images of women to Lively and adding unsolicited physical intimacy in scenes, which included repeated kissing without prior agreement. Lively described an incident where Baldoni deviated from the script during a slow dance scene, making comments that were not in line with the characters’ dialogue.
Additionally, the complaint reports that Baldoni and Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath pressured Lively to simulate full nudity in a birthing scene, which had not been outlined in the script or discussed beforehand. Concerns were also raised about the set’s lack of privacy during the filming of this scene. The situation reportedly escalated to a point where Baldoni was accused of orchestrating a “retaliatory social manipulation campaign” against Lively, aimed at damaging her reputation during the film’s promotional period.
In response to the allegations, Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, has firmly denied the claims, calling them “categorically false” and part of a strategy to improve Lively’s public image after her own behavior during film promotions sparked negative online discourse.
The situation has drawn considerable attention, as fans have speculated about behind-the-scenes tensions, particularly after observing interactions at red carpet events and in interviews. The film itself is a dramatization of themes surrounding abusive relationships, which complicates the narrative further.
Lively has expressed hope that her legal actions will illuminate the negative tactics used against individuals who voice concerns about misconduct and offer protection for others in similar situations.
This incident highlights the growing awareness of workplace misconduct in the entertainment industry and underscores the importance of creating safe and respectful environments for all actors and crew members involved in production. By bringing her story to light, Lively aims to advocate for change and support those who may face similar challenges.
In summary, this case demonstrates a pivotal moment in addressing issues of harassment and misconduct within Hollywood, as advocates hope for positive changes in workplace culture that prioritize respect and safety for everyone.