SAG-AFTRA, the union representing roughly 160,000 actors, stands firmly behind Blake Lively after the star filed serious complaints of sexual harassment against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director on the film It Ends With Us. These allegations have sent shockwaves through Hollywood and reignited discussions around workplace safety and the treatment of women within the industry.
The allegations, reported by the New York Times, state Lively accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment. She alleges the director engaged in inappropriate discussions about her weight, religious beliefs, and even his sex life during professional meetings. Lively also claims he and producer Jamey Heath entered her trailer without her permission, including during moments when she was breastfeeding her infant child.
“These are startling and troubling allegations. Employees have every right to raise issues of concern or to file complaints. Retaliation for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior is illegal and wrong,” SAG-AFTRA stated, commending Lively’s courage for speaking out. The group has urged any individuals experiencing similar abusive conduct to report such violations, emphasizing the right to work free from harassment and discrimination.
Building on Lively's complaints, Justin Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman responded by labeling the claims as “shameful” and full of “categorically false accusations.” The controversy escalated when it was revealed Baldoni had recently received the Voices of Solidarity Award from the charity Vital Voices, which was meant to honor his advocacy work for women and girls. Following the allegations, Vital Voices rescinded Baldoni’s award, stating the behaviors outlined in Lively's lawsuit were abhorrent and did not align with the charity’s mission.
“We have notified Mr Baldoni...that we have rescinded this award,” Vital Voices articulated, stressing the organization’s commitment to aligning actions with values. They highlighted how Baldoni’s “disturbing” communications included attempts to manage public relations surrounding the allegations, actions which were against the spirit of the award he had received.
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures, the studio behind It Ends With Us, voiced their support for Lively following the controversy, reaffirming their commitment to her well-being during the film's production. A spokesperson stated, “We have previously expressed our support for Blake... We fully and firmly reiterate this support today,” firmly condemning any attacks on her reputation.
Within the legal framework of the complaint, Lively pointed out Baldoni’s reported plan to undermine her reputation following her and her husband Ryan Reynolds’ addressing of the troubling behavior. Allegedly, this included efforts to plant damaging narratives online as part of a broader smear campaign. The legal action suggests Baldoni “abruptly pivoted away” from the original marketing strategy, countering claims with victim narratives to safeguard his image.
Blake Lively’s plight garnered support from her co-stars and industry peers, including Colleen Hoover, the author of the original novel which the film is based on. Hoover posted on Instagram, saying, “@blakelively you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human you are.” Her support mirrors sentiments shared by Lively’s former colleagues, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, who issued statements declaring their solidarity with Lively.
“We stand with her...as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,” they declared, emphasizing the power of unity and supportive relationships among women, especially within high-pressure environments like Hollywood.
Echoing these sentiments, Amber Heard commented on the insidious nature of social media narratives crafted against individuals, illustrating the pervasive challenges of misrepresentation and public slander. “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying, a lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,” Heard remarked, drawing parallels to her own experiences on social media during her highly publicized legal battles.
With the backdrop of such serious allegations, Lively’s legal action not only accuses Baldoni and his team of misconduct but also highlights the dire need for structural change within the entertainment industry. The demand for intimacy coordinators, especially for scenes involving nudity or sexual content, is one notable proactive measure being called for following this incident. SAG-AFTRA has openly supported this request, underlining the importance of creating safer working environments for actors.
Blake Lively's case reflects the broader movement toward accountability and transparency within the industry, emphasizing the importance of standing up for oneself and supporting peers against harassment. Hollywood, for all its glitz and glamor, still grapples with issues deep-seated within its culture, but as these discussions come to light, advocates for change continue to push forward.
