As the release of “It Ends With Us” drew near last summer, tensions simmered on the film set. Justin Baldoni, the film’s director and one of its stars, alongside producer Jamey Heath, made the decision to engage a crisis public relations expert. This move followed complaints from co-star Blake Lively regarding alleged inappropriate behavior from Baldoni and Heath, including breaches of physical boundaries and sexual remarks.
To address these serious concerns, their studio, Wayfarer, took steps to enhance the safety of the working environment. They agreed to implement several measures, including hiring a full-time intimacy coordinator and bringing in an outside producer, alongside incorporating additional safeguards on set. Furthermore, a clause within Lively’s contract, signed by Heath, ensured that the studio would not retaliate against her for raising her concerns.
However, a legal complaint filed by Lively reveals troubling developments. By August, Baldoni and Heath, who had portrayed themselves as supporters of the feminist cause, reportedly feared that Lively’s allegations might be made public and damage their reputations. The complaint claims that their P.R. strategy was not to protect but to undermine Lively’s credibility.
Lively’s legal filing includes extensive documentation, including thousands of text messages and emails obtained through a subpoena, which provide further context to the situation.
This disturbing account underscores the need for an industry-wide culture shift where all individuals feel safe to express their concerns without fear of retaliation. It highlights the importance of true commitment to the principles of respect and accountability, which should guide all facets of film production.
In the face of adversity, the hope remains that this situation will foster a greater awareness about the importance of safe working environments in Hollywood and beyond. By taking a stand, Lively and others can inspire change that benefits everyone in the industry.