Blake Lively is currently embroiled in high-profile legal battles with her "It Ends With Us" co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, amid allegations of sexual harassment and coordinated attempts to undermine her reputation. The situation has garnered notable support for Lively from various industry figures, including the author of the film's source material, Colleen Hoover.
According to posts shared on social media, Colleen Hoover extended her support to Lively, praising her character and strength. "@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met," Hoover wrote on her Instagram, alongside heartfelt memories shared between the two.
Support for Lively has also emerged from her co-stars from the 2005 film "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Lively, calling attention to the inappropriate treatment she experienced during the filming of "It Ends With Us." They said, "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," highlighting their disappointment at the apparent retaliation Lively faced for her requests.
Lively's allegations came to light after reports surfaced indicating she filed complaints with the California Civil Rights Department and later pursued legal action against Baldoni. The New York Times gained access to the complaint, which detailed claims of invasive and unwelcome behavior from Baldoni and others associated with his production company, Wayfarer Studios. Lively’s complaint claims the director and his team engaged in systematic efforts to ruin her reputation after she expressed concerns about misconduct on set.
Further complicity arose when Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, responded aggressively to Lively's allegations. He characterized Lively’s claims as "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious," labeling them as desperate attempts to salvage her diminishing public image. According to Freedman, Lively’s actual conduct during promotional activities had stirred negative public sentiment toward her.
Lively aims to expose what she describes as "sinister retaliatory tactics" through her legal endeavors, seeking to protect others who might be similarly targeted. She stated, "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." Her courageous stance against the alleged harassment has garnered attention and sparked various conversations on the treatment of women within the industry.
The controversy intensified on social media, where Lively faced backlash during the film's promotional campaign for what some labeled as "tone-deaf" marketing tactics. Critics pointed out her encouragement for fans to enjoy the film’s visuals and lighter aspects rather than addressing its serious themes of domestic abuse. Many viewed her promotional decisions as oblivious and inappropriate considering the film’s subject matter.
Rumors of strife between Lively and Baldoni circulated before the lawsuits became public, with social media users noting their avoidance of each other during the film’s press tour. The damages to Lively's reputation—shaped by the negative press surrounding her promotional efforts—were compounded by allegations of strategic social media manipulation orchestrated by Baldoni’s PR team.
Baldoni himself had previously built his image as a supportive figure for women’s rights, prompting public shock when these allegations surfaced. The fallout from the legal battles has prompted organizations, including Vital Voices, to reconsider their association with Baldoni, leading to the rescinding of awards previously granted for his support of gender equality.
Alongside these developments, Baldoni also filed his own suit against The New York Times for $250 million, claiming it made defamatory statements based on unverified allegations presented by Lively. His legal representatives accused the publication of acting irresponsibly and ignoring evidence opposing Lively’s claims.
All these legal intricacies underline not just personal conflicts but highlight systemic issues of accountability and representation within Hollywood. Discussions surrounding the safe working conditions for women, public perceptions, and the mechanics of PR maneuvers have risen to the forefront as both parties navigate this legal whirlwind. While "It Ends With Us" succeeded at the box office, grossing $351 million, the narratives surrounding its promotion might harken larger conversations about gender dynamics and the real-life impacts on personal portrayals within the industry.
With both Lively and Baldoni facing claims and counterclaims, the outcome of these legal proceedings remains to be seen, yet they may influence how similar situations are handled within Hollywood going forward.