Blake Lively, the celebrated actress known for her role in "Gossip Girl," has made serious allegations against director and co-star Justin Baldoni, claiming sexual harassment and efforts to ruin her reputation during the filming of their movie "It Ends With Us." The legal complaint, which was filed with the California Civil Rights Department, outlines what Lively describes as inappropriate behavior and retaliatory tactics following her complaints about Baldoni's conduct on set.
According to the complaint, which gained significant media attention, the issues between Lively and Baldoni culminated during filming when she raised concerns about repeated sexual harassment and other unsettling behavior from Baldoni and a producer named Jamey Heath. Following these complaints, Lively alleges the two engaged in what she describes as a "multi-tiered plan" to damage her reputation.
Details from the complaint reveal alarming incidents, including Baldoni reportedly hiring crisis PR professionals to launch what Lively termed a "social manipulation campaign" against her. This included planting negative narratives about her online, manipulating social media, and aiming to discredit her during press engagements for the film, as reported by The New York Times.
Further accusations specify Baldoni's inappropriate behavior on set, with Lively citing incidents of unsolicited physical contact, including him entering her makeup trailer without permission, even when she was undressed. Lively asserts he improvised sexual content and intimate scenes during filming without her consent, creating an uncomfortable and unprofessional environment.
"I hope my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted," Lively stated, emphasizing her desire to raise awareness and safety on set.
Following the emergence of Lively's complaint, Baldoni's talent agency, WME, reportedly dropped him as a client, indicating the severity of the situation and the potential ramifications for him moving forward.
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's attorney, responded to the allegations by calling them "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media." He contended Lively was engaging in retaliatory action to repair her public image tarnished during the film's promotion.
The legal filing also highlights the supportive stance of Colleen Hoover, whose bestselling novel the film is based on. Hoover publicly expressed her support for Lively, stating on Instagram, "You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met... Thank you for being exactly the human you are." This support adds another layer to the narrative, emphasizing how Lively is rallying support from various quarters.
This controversy has received significant media coverage and social media attention, especially after rumors about tension on the set and the promotional activities surrounding "It Ends With Us." Many fans of the film noted Baldoni's separate appearances from Lively and other cast members during promotional engagements, leading to speculation about rifts.
The movie, which centers around the themes of love and domestic violence, has now become a focal point not only for its narrative but for the serious allegations and discussions it has sparked around workplace conduct and the treatment of women within the film industry.
While "It Ends With Us" debuted to impressive box office numbers, the damaging allegations against Baldoni have led industry watchers to question the nature of accountability and support structures in Hollywood, especially for women who dare to speak out against powerful figures.
With both sides representing starkly contrasting narratives, the case highlights the broader issue of sexual harassment within the entertainment industry. It raises significant questions about the protection and support of victims who strive to bring such issues to light.
Moving forward, Lively's case may serve as a landmark moment, potentially influencing other victims within the industry to speak out and seek justice against alleged misconduct.
The legal process continues as both sides prepare for what could be the beginning of extensive legal battles—making this not just a personal dispute but also a pivotal moment for the film industry as it grapples with issues of power, accountability, and gender dynamics.