Blake Lively accuses It Ends With Us director of harassment and smear campaign
Actor Blake Lively has recently made serious allegations against her director and co-star Justin Baldoni from the movie “It Ends With Us.” The accusations of sexual harassment on set and subsequent efforts to damage her reputation have sparked a legal complaint that could result in a lawsuit. The complaint was obtained by The Associated Press and reportedly filed with the California Civil Rights Department.
In the complaint, Lively specifically names Baldoni, the studio behind “It Ends With Us,” and Baldoni’s publicists as defendants. She claims that after addressing instances of sexual harassment and disturbing behavior by Baldoni and a producer during a meeting with her husband Ryan Reynolds, a plan was set in motion to tarnish her reputation. This plan allegedly included planting theories on online message boards, orchestrating a social media campaign, and placing negative news stories about Lively.
Baldoni and the studio are accused of devising a “multi-tiered plan” to damage Lively’s reputation, with Baldoni allegedly using domestic violence survivor content to protect his public image. However, attorney Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its representatives, vehemently denies these claims. Freedman asserts that the studio hired a crisis manager proactively due to Lively’s demands and threats during production, which were not disclosed in the statement.
Lively, in response to the allegations, expressed hope that her legal action would shed light on retaliatory tactics used to harm individuals who speak out against misconduct. She denies any involvement in spreading negative information about Baldoni or the studio, as reported in The New York Times.
“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, saw a successful release in August despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil. The $50-million debut exceeded box office expectations, but rumors of discord between the lead actors overshadowed the film’s launch. While Lively and Reynolds took the lead in promoting the movie, Baldoni, known for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” remained relatively silent.
Addressing concerns about the film romanticizing domestic violence, Baldoni emphasized the intentionality behind the movie’s portrayal and acknowledged critics’ perspectives. He stressed the importance of respecting the experiences of those who may have faced real-life domestic violence struggles and defended the film’s creative decisions.
The unfolding drama between Lively and Baldoni has captured media attention, highlighting the complexities of Hollywood relationships and the potential consequences of speaking out against misconduct in the industry. As the legal proceedings continue, the truth behind these allegations will hopefully come to light, ensuring justice and accountability for all parties involved.
