Actor and director Justin Baldoni is facing severe legal repercussions following allegations of sexual harassment made by his co-star Blake Lively during the filming of their movie, It Ends With Us. The controversy has escalated with Baldoni being slapped with not only Lively's lawsuit but also another lawsuit from his former publicist, Steph Jones, who is accusing him of defamation and breach of contract.
Baldoni, known for his roles and his work behind the camera, is being sued by Lively for allegedly harassing her on set and later participating in what she describes as a "coordinated effort to destroy her reputation." This legal action surfaced after Lively, who gained fame for her role on Gossip Girl, filed suit against Baldoni, who directed the film based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. According to the lawsuit, Lively claims the harassment created a hostile work environment, which prompted intervention from various parties involved with the production.
The lawsuit was filed shortly after the film premiered, which saw great commercial success, grossing over $300 million on its $25 million budget. Nevertheless, behind-the-scenes troubles reportedly marred the film's release. Sources suggested tensions were high during the production, leading to divisions among the cast and crew, especially following rumors of discord between Baldoni and Lively.
Interestingly, Lively's lawsuit sheds light on specific communications wherein Baldoni’s publicists allegedly plotted to undermine her credibility and tarnish her public image. This smear campaign, noted Lively, had severe repercussions not only for her professional life but also for her family, who endured emotional distress due to the backlash.
Lively is not the only one taking legal action. Steph Jones, who previously worked with Baldoni at her public relations firm, Jonesworks, claims she was also wronged following the break of their professional relationship. Jones alleges Baldoni failed to fulfill his contractual obligations to pay her $25,000 monthly after abruptly terminating their deal. Her suit claims Baldoni, along with his current publicists, plotted against her as part of the wider smear campaign against Lively.
"To this day, Abel and Nathan continue to point the finger falsely at Jones now..." Jones's lawsuit states, indicating the pressure she feels from her former coworker’s actions.
These revelations paint a troubling picture of the creative environment surrounding the film. Amidst accusations of harassment and betrayal, the promotional activities for It Ends With Us saw Lively and Baldoni appearing separately instead of together, igniting speculation of underlying feuds within the cast. Fans even noted significant interactions on social media, where some cast members unfollowed Baldoni, fuelling speculation about tensions. Lively also faced targeted negative publicity, branded as a "mean girl" by certain outlets, following comments made after the film's launch.
Reactions from fellow actors have poured in, indicating strong support for Lively. Jenny Slate, who featured alongside Baldoni, publicly voiced her backing for Lively's actions against those she accuses of conspiring against her. Slate characterized the attacks on Lively as "terribly dark, disturbing and wholly threatening," emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Lively's legal documents included instances of text exchanges where Baldoni's team discussed how the actor "wants to feel like [Ms. Lively] can be buried," which adds weight to the claims of manipulation and aggression aimed at Lively.
On behalf of Baldoni, lawyer Bryan Freedman has vigorously denied all claims, stating, "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious…" He dismisses Lively's lawsuit as nothing more than attempts to reclaim her tarnished reputation. The case presents not only individual struggles but also raises broader questions about workplace dynamics and accountability within Hollywood.
With Baldwin now contending with two lawsuits, the legal battle is far from over, and it remains to be seen how this tumultuous situation will impact all parties involved. Both allegations, Lively's and Jones’s, are rooted deeply within the often hidden dynamics of the entertainment industry, shining light upon the treatment of individuals who raise concerns about misconduct.
Fans of It Ends With Us are left watching closely, as the intertwined lives of the cast become highlighted against the backdrop of serious allegations and public scrutiny, ensuring this saga remains at the forefront of industry discussions.
