Blake Lively has made serious allegations against Justin Baldoni, her director and co-star in the film “It Ends With Us.” She claims that Baldoni engaged in sexual harassment on set and subsequently attempted to tarnish her reputation through a legal complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. This complaint, which could lead to a lawsuit, names Baldoni, the studio behind the film, and Baldoni’s publicists as defendants.
Lively’s complaint details a “multi-tiered plan” orchestrated by Baldoni and the film’s studio to damage her credibility after she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, confronted Baldoni about his alleged behavior and that of a producer on the set. Among the accusations is that Baldoni sought to orchestrate negative narratives about Lively on social media and online platforms, effectively attempting to “bury” her if she disclosed the allegations publicly.
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, denied the accusations, labeling them as “completely false” and claimed that the studio had hired a crisis manager in response to comments made by Lively during production. Freedman stated that Lively had threatened to boycott the film if her unspecified demands were not met. However, the details of those demands included numerous protocols aimed at creating a safer working environment, such as banning the display of nude videos and having an intimacy coordinator present during her scenes with Baldoni.
Following the film’s release, which exceeded box office expectations by bringing in $50 million in its opening weekend, the controversy surrounding Lively and Baldoni’s relationship has continued to gain media attention. Lively expressed hope that her legal actions would shine a light on retaliatory practices against individuals who voice concerns about misconduct in the industry.
This situation highlights ongoing discussions about workplace safety and the importance of taking allegations of harassment seriously. It serves as a reminder of the need for accountability within the entertainment industry and emphasizes the role of supportive mechanisms for those who wish to come forward about their experiences.
Overall, while these allegations are troubling and can be unsettling, they represent a significant step toward fostering a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up against inappropriate behavior, ultimately aiming for a safer and more respectful working environment for all.