Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and the orchestration of a defamation campaign aimed at damaging her reputation. The lawsuit, submitted on December 20, 2024, follows troubling incidents during the filming and promotion of 'It Ends With Us,' based on the novel by Colleen Hoover, which premiered earlier this year.
Reports of tension between Lively and Baldoni emerged during the film's promotional events, with both actors reportedly not publicly supporting each other. The film, which centers around domestic violence, was overshadowed by speculation about the lead actors' relationship, stirring public curiosity and rumor.
According to the details outlined in her lawsuit, Lively claims she endured significant emotional distress due to Baldoni's alleged inappropriate actions on set. She describes multiple incidents, including Baldoni showing her nude photos of other women and making uncomfortable comments about her body. Lively has asserted these behaviors contributed to what became known as a toxic work environment.
During private discussions aimed at resolving their differences, attended by Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively reportedly set forth explicit demands for how Baldoni should conduct himself, which included stipulations to refrain from sharing inappropriate content and personal comments related to her deceased father and body weight.
Beyond the claims of harassment, the lawsuit also details Lively's allegations against Baldoni for initiating and participating in a social media smear campaign against her. According to the submissions, his team purportedly devised strategies to manipulate public perception prior to the film's release, creating negativity around Lively to maintain his image as a supporter of feminist causes.
Supporting Lively publicly, author Colleen Hoover expressed her gratitude toward the actress on Instagram, affirming her character and kindness. Actress colleagues America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel have also rallied around Lively, condemning the actions against her and stating, “We are appalled by the evidence of willful and spiteful attempts to discredit her voice.”
On the flip side, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has categorically denied Lively's allegations, framing them as false and stating they are merely attempts to improve her tarnished public image. Freedman argues Lively's claims exacerbate her existing image problems and distract from any professional shortcomings during the film's promotional efforts.
Despite the divided opinions on social media, which range from solidarity with Lively to criticism of her behavior, the case reflects pressing issues within Hollywood and the workplace surrounding sexual harassment and retaliation against those who report misconduct.
Blake Lively hopes her lawsuit will instigate greater dialogue about retaliation tactics against victims and advocate for safer environments on film sets and beyond. The outcome of this high-profile case could resonate deeply within the industry, spotlighting the continued struggles against workplace abuse and public mistreatment of women who dare to speak out against it.
