SAG-AFTRA, the union representing around 160,000 actors in Hollywood, has publicly expressed support for Blake Lively following her sexual harassment lawsuit against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The allegations made by Lively, which include claims of unwanted advances and inappropriate conduct by Baldoni, have raised significant attention within the film industry.
On December 20, Lively filed her complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department, marking her initial step toward seeking justice for the alleged misconduct she encountered on set. According to SAG-AFTRA’s official statement, '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.'
The union emphasized its support for Lively's courageous decision to speak out, particularly commending her request for the inclusion of an intimacy coordinator for all scenes involving nudity or sexual content, which they stated is 'an important step to help guarantee a safe set.'
Blake Lively's suit highlights her experiences, including accusations against Baldoni of improvising unwanted kissing during filming and launching attempts to allegedly smear her reputation. Reports indicate she believes Baldoni’s actions were part of a broader tactic intended to retaliate against her following complaints she and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, raised concerning Baldoni's conduct.
Notably, during the film's promotion, fans began to perceive tension between Lively and Baldoni, sparking speculation about their working relationship. The controversy intensified as Lively alleged Baldoni had made inappropriate comments about her weight and had engaged her trainer with questions about her personal beliefs. She recounted incidents where both Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath entered her makeup trailer without her consent, including times when she was breastfeeding her infant.
Her formal complaint points to numerous lewd interactions, with specific frustrations about discussions related to Baldoni’s alleged past with pornography and explicit content displayed on set. Following the claims made by Lively, Colleen Hoover, the author of the book 'It Ends With Us', expressed her support on social media, acknowledging Lively's honesty and character.
To address the hostile work environment, Lively had put forward 30 explicit demands, asserting her rights and the professional boundaries needed to maintain her own safety and comfort on set. Among these requests were prohibitions on showing explicit materials and making sexual comments, alongside the enforcement of pre-agreed protocols for touching and kissing during intimate scenes.
SAG-AFTRA's reaction serves as both encouragement and solidarity for others who might find themselves facing similar situations within Hollywood. They reiterated, 'We all have the right to be treated with dignity and respect on the job and to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.'
While the complaint does not represent a formal lawsuit just yet, it establishes the groundwork for Lively’s intention to pursue legal action. The situation has also led to significant media scrutiny of Baldoni, who has now reportedly been dropped by his talent agency amid the allegations.
His defense team has strongly disputed Lively's claims, asserting they are 'completely false, outrageous, and intended to publicly hurt and rehash' negative narratives about him. They argue Baldoni acted proactively by hiring crisis management professionals to navigate the communications surrounding the film’s promotion.
This controversy sheds light on the broader issue of workplace conduct within the entertainment industry, where power dynamics can lead to adverse experiences for actors and crew members. Lively's case, and the response it has ignited, point to the necessity of safeguarding measures such as intimacy coordinators, paralleled with union support to strengthen protections against harassment.
With the backing of SAG-AFTRA, Lively stands poised not only to seek redress for her personal grievances but also potentially to pave the way for systemic changes within the industry, ensuring safer environments for all who work within Hollywood's demanding ecosystem.
