Blake Lively has taken legal action against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and attempts to damage her reputation during the filming of the movie 'It Ends With Us.' Filed on December 20 with the California Civil Rights Department, the complaint reveals troubling details about Lively's experiences on set and how she feels her voice has been systematically undermined.
According to the complaint obtained by The Associated Press and reported extensively by The New York Times, Lively alleges she faced numerous violations of her personal space, sexual harassment, and systematic efforts orchestrated by Baldoni to create negative narratives about her. Lively expressed her hope in filing the complaint: “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's claims stem from what she describes as a “multi-tiered plan” initiated following discussions with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, where they addressed Baldoni's behavior. Lively maintains Baldoni engaged in tactics such as planting false theories on message boards and manipulating social media campaigns to reshape her public image following troubling incidents during production.
Her concerns have received support from former co-stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, who issued a joint statement declaring their solidarity with Lively. They emphasized: “We stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation. Throughout the filming of 'It Ends With Us,' we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort to discredit her voice.”
The allegations have only amplified scrutiny concerning Baldoni, whose previous candid admissions about his challenges with pornography addiction have resurfaced amid this controversy. During an older podcast interview, Baldoni discussed how he developed “an unhealthy relationship” with porn, confiding, “I trained my brain to deal with pain with the dopamine hit,” which raises questions about his behavior and perspectives on women.
With the legal complaint making headlines, Baldoni's legal representation vehemently denied Lively's accusations, calling them “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's lawyer, claimed Lively was attempting to leverage her allegations to rehabilitate her own image after negative publicity from media scrutiny during the film's promotion.
Freedman elaborated on Baldoni's position during the film’s marketing, asserting the studio took proactive measures. He stated, “Wayfarer Studios hired a crisis manager prior to the film's public relations campaigns due to threats made by Ms. Lively.” This defense has drawn significant attention, fueling debates around accountability and professionalism within the entertainment industry.
The controversy has not only put Lively and Baldoni at odds but has also ignited wider conversations about workplace safety and the treatment of women within the film industry. Many are coming forward within social media forums and prompting discussions centered on how vulnerable actresses can be subjected to retaliation for highlighting misconduct.
The film, which debuted to strong box office reception, sparked speculation about discord between Lively and Baldoni almost from the start. Those close to Lively have echoed concerns over the apparent prioritization of maintaining Baldoni’s public image over ensuring Lively's safety on set.
Not limited to her on-screen roles, Lively's entrepreneurial pursuits, including her recent ventures with Betty Buzz and her upcoming hair-care company, place her under unusual scrutiny, especially as the narrative surrounding her personal and professional life becomes more complex due to the lawsuit.
Despite the challenges accompanying this situation, Lively has received public backing from numerous friends and fellow actors, including Gwyneth Paltrow and author Colleen Hoover, who filled Instagram with supportive messages for the actress, affirming her character and resilience.
This legal battle encapsulates the broader struggle women face when speaking up about harassment, particularly within industries often engulfed by power imbalances. Lively's determination to confront these issues fosters hope for other victims who wish to reclaim their narratives and assert their rights.
With mounting public interest and media coverage, the resolution of this case could have lasting ramifications not only for Lively and Baldoni but also for future discussions surrounding consent and workplace safety, sending ripples across the film industry and beyond.
