Actress Blake Lively has filed a legal complaint against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, alleging repeated sexual harassment and a coordinated effort to tarnish her reputation after she raised concerns about inappropriate behavior on set.
At a glance:
- Blake Lively alleges sexual harassment by Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath during the filming of It Ends With Us.
- The complaint accuses Baldoni and Heath of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in retaliatory actions against Lively.
- Baldoni’s legal team denies the allegations, claiming Lively made unreasonable demands to derail the film’s release.
- The controversy adds to the film’s polarizing reception, with critics debating its depiction of domestic violence.
The legal complaint filed by Lively details allegations of inappropriate conduct, including repeated mentions of Baldoni and Heath’s “pornography addiction,” comments about their genitalia, and unwelcome discussions with Lively about adding explicit scenes outside the approved script.
Lively, 37, also alleged that Baldoni made disturbing remarks, such as claiming he could communicate with her deceased father.
The meeting to address the issues, which took place on January 4, 2024, was attended by Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alongside Baldoni and others involved in the film’s production.
Retaliation and defamation claims
Lively’s legal team accuses Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of leading a calculated smear campaign to harm her reputation after she brought the allegations forward.
“This was the intended result of a carefully crafted, coordinated, and resourced retaliatory scheme to silence her and others from speaking out,” the complaint states.
In response, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, dismissed the allegations as “intentionally salacious” and “categorically false.” He accused Lively of threatening not to show up on set or promote the film unless her demands were met.
A deeper divide on set
Speculation about tensions between Lively and Baldoni began during the film’s promotion. The pair did not appear together on the red carpet at the New York premiere, and co-star Brandon Sklenar alluded to a rift in a cryptic Instagram post.
The legal dispute comes after the film became a box-office success but faced criticism for its portrayal of domestic violence. Based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, It Ends With Us tells the story of a woman caught in an abusive relationship, a narrative inspired by the author’s personal experiences.
Lively’s statement
Lively, who also served as a producer on the film, released a statement through her attorneys: “I hope that 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.”
She denied claims that she or her representatives spread negative information about Baldoni or Wayfarer Studios, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for safer working environments in the entertainment industry.
What’s next?
The legal complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department is a preliminary step before a potential lawsuit. Both parties are expected to present further evidence as the case unfolds, drawing significant attention to workplace dynamics in Hollywood.
As the controversy intensifies, It Ends With Us serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding artistic projects that delve into sensitive topics, especially when off-screen conflicts threaten to overshadow the story.
