Hollywood is abuzz with controversy as Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and emotional distress. The allegations have cast a shadow over the successful release of the film, which is based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling 2016 novel.
Allegations Against Baldoni
According to Variety, Blake Lively’s legal complaint details instances of harassment during the film’s production. She claims that Baldoni created a hostile work environment, leading to an “all-hands-on-deck meeting” to address her concerns. Present at this meeting was her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, who stood by her side as she outlined the alleged misconduct.
During the meeting, Lively and Reynolds reportedly made several demands:
- No more showing explicit videos or images of women to Blake Lively.
- No discussions about Baldoni’s alleged past pornography addiction or sexual conquests.
- No inappropriate comments about cast and crew members’ bodies or personal lives.
- No further questions or remarks about Blake Lively’s weight or her late father.
Additionally, Lively emphasized that she would not participate in any sex scenes beyond those outlined in her initial agreement with the production. Despite her efforts, Lively alleges that Baldoni and the studio, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated by launching a smear campaign against her.
Alleged Retaliation by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios
The lawsuit accuses Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of engaging in “social manipulation” to tarnish Blake Lively’s reputation. This alleged campaign included:
- Negative news articles critical of Blake Lively.
- Social media narratives designed to portray Lively in a bad light.
- Online theories on message boards to discredit her.
- A shift in the film’s marketing strategy that used Baldoni’s image as a domestic violence survivor advocate to divert attention from the controversy.
Baldoni’s Legal Team Responds
Justin Baldoni has vehemently denied the allegations through his legal team. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, issued a strong statement, calling the accusations “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” Freedman suggested that the lawsuit is a desperate attempt by Lively to deflect attention from her own actions during the film’s promotion.
“It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its representatives,” said Freedman. “These claims are outrageous and seem designed to rehash a narrative in the media for public sympathy.”
Fallout from the Controversy
Despite the film’s impressive $50-million opening, the allegations have overshadowed its success. Promotional efforts for It Ends With Us reportedly reflected the tension between Lively and Baldoni. While Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds took a prominent role in promoting the film, Baldoni maintained a more subdued presence.
Fans and social media users speculated about the strained relationship between the two leads, pointing out Blake Lively’s light-hearted approach to promoting a film with serious themes of domestic violence.
What’s Next?
As the legal battle unfolds, both parties are likely to present their case in the public eye and in court. The controversy surrounding It Ends With Us raises important questions about workplace conduct and the dynamics between cast and crew in Hollywood.
For now, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni remain locked in a bitter dispute that has turned what should have been a celebratory moment for the film into a highly publicized scandal.