Blake Lively has found a powerful ally amid the turmoil surrounding her legal battle with Justin Baldoni, as her co-star Michele Morrone publicly voiced his support for the actress. The Italian actor, who starred alongside Lively in the upcoming film A Simple Favor 2, took to his Instagram on December 23 to express his feelings about Lively's current struggle against allegations of sexual harassment and the reportedly orchestrated smear campaign by Baldoni.
"So it’s usually not my thing to make these types of videos, but I think it’s time to stand up for a person I really love, and this person is Blake Lively," Morrone stated, capturing both his concern and affection for Lively. This heartfelt declaration came after Lively filed her lawsuit against Baldoni, where she claimed he displayed inappropriate behavior during the production of It Ends With Us, which he directed and starred in as Lively's love interest.
Morrone described his time with Lively on set, expressing how he noticed she was going through emotional pain. "I felt something was wrong, and I felt the pain, and then we had the opportunity to talk, me and her. Blake was in pain. And I’m really tired to see those kind of cruel and bad comments about her without knowing the situation," he shared. His emphasis on Lively's anguish speaks volumes against the backdrop of public scrutiny and negative comments directed at her.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Lively's legal claims assert not only harassment but also accuse Baldoni of employing tactics aimed at damaging her reputation after she raised concerns over his behavior. Reports indicate Lively demanded the presence of an intimacy coordinator after feeling uncomfortable and indicated she was subjected to uninvited discussions on his previous addiction to porn.
Particularly concerning are the notes included in her lawsuit, where Baldoni is alleged to have shown her images inappropriate for the workplace, sparking animosity on set. The tension reportedly became so intense it divided the crew, leading to the need for emergency meetings to discuss these serious allegations.
More voices soon joined Morrone's chorus of support. Fellow cast members and industry colleagues, including author Colleen Hoover, also expressed their solidarity with Lively. Morrone urged his followers to read the New York Times article detailing Lively's claims before passing judgment, reiteratively stating, "That’s all I ask. That’s what I want you to do. Blake, I love you so much. Keep it up, and we’re going to see each other very, very soon. Love you." Such stark affirmations from Morrone reveal the strong connections forged among cast members amid such harrowing circumstances.
While Lively's supporters rally around her, Baldwin's response has been aggressive. His legal counsel, Bryan Freedman, condemned Lively's accusations as "categorically false" and claimed they were made with the intention of harming Baldoni's reputation. Freedman's assertion highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding this case, as both parties defend their narratives vigorously. He described Lively's discomfort as exaggerated and accused her of trying to fix her public image through these claims.
Further complicate the narrative, publicist Jennifer Abel, involved with Baldoni's PR strategy, refuted the idea of a smear campaign against Lively, directing her comments to various media outlets. Abel claimed the messages referenced were taken out of full contexts, and stated, "no negative press was ever facilitated," attempting to clarify the facts of the case from her vantage point.
The fallout from this dispute has been significant for Baldoni, as talent agency WME has severed ties with him post-accusation, marking a serious setback for the director and actor. This decision underlines the serious nature of Lively's allegations and how deeply they have been felt within the industry.
The allegations against Baldoni reflect broader systemic issues, where women often face hostility and backlash for speaking out against misconduct. This case, characterized by public support and fierce denial, showcases the current cultural climate pushing for accountability and truth-telling—a pivotal moment for many individuals who have found themselves similarly marginalized.
Blake Lively, known for her roles in films and television such as The Age of Adaline and Gossip Girl, remains resolute as she fights for her right to speak candidly about the experiences she endured on set. The film It Ends With Us, adapted from Hoover's novel, is expected to release amid this turbulence, adding additional layers of complexity to Lively’s career as she manages the backlash against her and seeks both justice and vindication.
With industry giants and media figures weighing in, Lively's narrative is garnering sympathy and attention, sparking thoughtful discussions around respectful workplace practices and the treatment of women. The road ahead for Lively is bound to be arduous, but as evident through Morrone's emotional support and public backing from her colleagues, she is not facing it alone.
