Blake Lively has ignited controversy within Hollywood after filing a lawsuit against co-star and director Justin Baldoni, alleging serious sexual harassment during the filming of the highly-acclaimed film It Ends With Us. The complaint, officially lodged on December 20, 2024, details Lively’s claims of repeated unwanted sexual overtures and emotional distress caused by Baldoni's alleged conduct on set.
The film, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestseller, quickly became both a box office success and the center of intense behind-the-scenes drama, grossing over $148.5 million. While its gripping plot revolves around sensitive themes of domestic abuse, the tensions between Lively and Baldoni reportedly simmered beneath the surface throughout its promotion.
According to Lively, who is not only the leading actress but also co-producer of the film, Baldoni's behavior included unwelcome intimacy and the sharing of explicit personal details, leading to the creation of what she describes as a hostile working environment. Lively has accused Baldoni of entering her personal space, making inappropriate and unprofessional remarks, and attempting to manipulate public perceptions of her through what the lawsuit labels as orchestrated social media smear campaigns.
“Our client [Lively] is willing to forego a more formal HR process…” states her legal representation disclosed to Wayfarer Studios, the production company co-founded by Baldoni. This declaration indicates Lively's singular intent to create safe filming conditions, acknowledging her grievances but hoping to resolve them amicably.
Compounding Lively’s distress was the alleged retaliation she faced following her complaints. This entailed Baldoni's representatives purportedly hiring crisis public relations experts to combat negative publicity related to Lively's allegations. The lawsuit claims Baldoni's team effectively weaponized social media, guiding narratives to paint Lively unfavorably and misconstruing her actions during promotional activities.
A key element of Lively’s allegations details the specific demands she made during discussions with Baldoni and producers about creating a safer work environment. These included requests to cease inappropriate conversation topics, barring entry to her makeup trailer without consent, and ensuring professional conduct from Baldoni and his team. For example, she requested agreements to stop the sharing of nude images of women and discussions surrounding Baldoni's alleged pornography addiction.
Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman swiftly condemned Lively’s accusations, labeling them as “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” He argued the legal complaint aimed to rehash past narratives with malicious intent, asserting Baldoni's production studio only engaged responsibly with media inquiries.
Meanwhile, Lively’s sister, Robyn Lively, publicly endorsed her sister’s stance, saying on Instagram, “FINALLY justice for my sister @blakelively.” Author Colleen Hoover followed suit, praising Lively’s character, stating she had been honest and supportive throughout their collaboration. The support from both insiders and family members highlights the gravity with which those close to Lively view the situation.
While Baldoni has built his public persona around advocacy for women and victims of domestic violence, observers are increasingly questioning the authenticity of this image, particularly against the backdrop of Lively’s allegations. The lawsuit alleges Baldoni, alongside his PR team, engaged tactics described as 'astroturfing'—creating the false appearance of public sentiment against Lively fabricated through social media manipulation and strategically planted articles.
Lively maintains no involvement with the negative narratives purportedly circulated about Baldoni, countering claims made by his legal team asserting she instigated conflict to leverage her reputation. “I hope my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics…” she stated, aiming to safeguard those who may find themselves victimized by similar situations.
Though Baldoni and Lively’s paths were initially intertwined with the cinematic adaptation of Hoover’s narrative, the legal schism has raised doubts about whether audiences will see any future collaborations. The possibility of sequels or more films in this franchise remains uncertain, with many insiders expressing skepticism about any partnerships materializing post-lawsuit.
The developments surrounding this case reflect broader themes of accountability and advocacy against sexual harassment within the entertainment industry, adding another layer of complexity to the relationship dynamics on set. With both Lively and Baldoni at pivotal points of their careers, the outcomes of such disputes not only affect their professional trajectories but also the narratives surrounding addressing misconduct across Hollywood.
