Blake Lively has brought serious allegations against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. These claims have sparked widespread attention, shedding light on troubling issues behind the scenes of the highly anticipated film.
What Are the Allegations Against Justin Baldoni?
Lively’s legal complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department, details instances of alleged misconduct during the production of It Ends With Us. The allegations include:
Unwanted Sexual Comments: Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath allegedly discussed their genitalia and pornography consumption with Lively and her team, making her deeply uncomfortable.
Inappropriate Physical Contact: Lively accuses Baldoni and Heath of making unwelcome physical advances, including unsolicited touching and kissing.
Weight Criticism: Baldoni reportedly contacted Lively’s trainer to discuss her weight just months after she gave birth to her fourth child.
On-Set Harassment: The complaint describes instances where Baldoni entered Lively’s trailer without permission and attempted to add explicit scenes without her consent.
Smear Campaign Allegations
Lively claims that after she raised concerns about Baldoni’s behavior, he orchestrated a smear campaign to damage her reputation. The complaint alleges:
Planted Stories: Baldoni’s PR team, led by crisis specialist Melissa Nathan, allegedly worked to spread negative stories about Lively in the media.
Social Media Manipulation: Efforts were reportedly made to create false narratives about Lively on platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram.
Targeting Her Reputation: Text messages included in the complaint suggest Baldoni’s team aimed to “bury” Lively’s career and shift public perception in his favor.
Why Is Blake Lively Speaking Out?
Lively’s decision to go public stems from the ongoing impact these events have had on her personal and professional life. According to the filing, the harassment and retaliation caused severe mental, physical, and financial harm to her and her family. Her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their children have also reportedly suffered emotional distress due to the situation.
In a statement, Lively expressed her hope that her legal action will "pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics" and protect others from similar experiences.
What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case highlights the importance of addressing workplace harassment and ensuring accountability in the entertainment industry. Lively’s courage in sharing her story serves as a reminder that no one should have to endure such behavior, regardless of their status or profession.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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