Liz Plank, the prominent journalist and co-host of the podcast Man Enough, has decided to part ways with the show following serious allegations against her co-host Justin Baldoni. Her announcement, made on December 21, 2024, concerns accusations laid bare by Blake Lively, Baldoni's co-star from the upcoming film It Ends With Us, who claims to have faced sexual harassment on set.
Plank communicated her decision through social media, expressing gratitude for the community cultivated through the podcast. "I’m writing to you today to let you know I have had my representatives inform Wayfarer (Baldoni’s production studio) I will no longer be co-hosting the Man Enough podcast," she wrote. "Thank you for trusting me with your hearts and stories, for holding space for mine, and for making this show what it was. I will miss you, the listeners, so much. I love what this community created together with every fiber of my being, and that's because of you.”
Launched in 2021, Man Enough sought to redefine contemporary masculinity, tackling rigid gender norms and exploring related topics such as mental health and relationships. The discussion has now taken a backseat to the serious allegations and subsequent fallout surrounding Baldoni.
The backdrop of Plank’s departure is the legal complaint filed by Lively, which accuses Baldoni and members of his production team—including Jamey Heath, the CEO of Wayfarer—of fostering a toxic work environment and engaging in retaliatory tactics against her. The accusations extend to claims of orchestrated media manipulation to damage Lively’s reputation, with Lively asserting her colleagues aimed to suppress voices like hers.
Highlighting the gravity of her decision, Liz Plank stated, "We all deserve to be treated with respect." She affirmed her commitment to supporting those calling out injustice and holding accountable those who enable such environments.
Plank’s departure is part of the broader consequences Baldoni faces as his career falters under the weight of these allegations. Prior to Plank's announcement, his representation agency, WME, cut ties with the actor-director, alongside the rescindment of the Voices of Solidarity Award—a recognition meant to honor those advocating for women and girls—which Baldoni had only recently received.
“The Voices of Solidarity Award... we have rescinded this award,” said representatives from Vital Voices, highlighting their disapproval of the actions attributed to Baldoni and his team, which are contrary to the organization's values.
The fallout doesn't seem to end for Baldoni. Lively's public support, especially from her co-stars, signals solidarity against the alleged misconduct. Several notable figures, including Amber Heard and Paul Feig, have publicly backed Lively, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding Baldoni.
While Plank processes her experience and the changes it necessitates, she indicated there may be more to share on her own reflections soon. "I will have more to share soon as I continue to process everything that's happened. I will continue to support everyone who calls out injustice and holds the people standing in their way accountable," she added.
The situation continues to be fluid, with many eyes closely monitoring how it affects the careers and credibility of those involved. The challenges presented by these allegations remind us of the importance of creating respectful and safe workplaces, championing equity and justice, and acknowledging the voices of those who bravely speak against misconduct.
