WME has officially severed ties with actor Justin Baldoni, following serious allegations of sexual harassment brought forward by his co-star Blake Lively.
The decision was made by company executives just hours after Lively filed her complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. The lawsuit includes ten claims against Baldoni, his production company, and other parties associated with the film 'It Ends With Us' which stars both actors and is based on Colleen Hoover's popular novel.
Lively, 37, alleges a multitude of inappropriate behaviors from Baldoni, 40, during the filming process, asserting the production took place within a "hostile work environment". The document outlines how Lively claims to have faced harassment through comments about her weight, discussions about Baldoni's alleged "pornography addiction," and instances where explicit images were shown to her.
"I hope my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted," Lively stated, according to The New York Times.
The lawsuit came after Lively had allegedly issued 30 demands to maintain professional boundaries following the production halt due to the actors' strike. Among her requests were provisions for no more explicit sexual content directed toward her, nor mentions about Baldoni’s past or her deceased father.
According to the compliant, when Lively's requests were accepted by Sony Pictures, Baldoni allegedly initiated a campaign intended to damage her reputation post-filming. Lively's accusations encompass intense pressure to simulate full nudity during emotional scenes, which allegedly deviated from prior discussions around the filming.
Lively described the filming atmosphere as chaotic, lacking the standard industry protections for intimate scenes, stating, "the set was crowded and utterly lacking…" The lawsuit stresses instances of added psychological distress, asserting the filming of sensitive scenes was not handled with adequate care.
Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, has publicly rejected all allegations, branding them as "false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious". He alleged Lively was difficult during production, emphasizing her threats to pull out of promotional duties created delays affecting the film’s release schedule.
Following Lively's accusations, support came from several quarters including Hoover, who praised Lively on social media for her strength throughout the ordeal, declaring, "You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met."
Robyn Lively, Blake’s sister, echoed this support with her own posts stating, "FINALLY justice for my sister."
Earlier responses from the industry and WME demonstrated their commitment to the safety and treatment of clients, as they withdrew their representation of Baldoni following the serious accusations.
The portrayal of the tumultuous relationship between Lively and Baldoni raises questions about the Hollywood culture surrounding such allegations. Prior to this incident, there were rumors about tension on set, leading to scrutiny of relationships within the industry, particularly with the #MeToo movement continuing to call for reform.
'It Ends With Us' was released amid this backdrop, making roughly $50 million on its opening weekend, yet the film’s success remains overshadowed by the current controversy. This conflict showcases not only the personal strife between two actors but also emphasizes the rapidly changing discourse on harassment and accountability within Hollywood.
Moving forward, Lively's actions and her legal claims will inevitably influence discussions about industry behaviors, the treatment of women, and the protective measures needed to sustain dignity and respect during film productions.
