Blake Lively, a well-known US actress, has taken legal action against Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment. The allegations are connected to their work on the film It Ends With Us, based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. The legal complaint has revealed shocking details, leading to public discussions about workplace conduct and retaliation in Hollywood.
Colleen Hoover, the author of the book, has expressed her support for Lively. She publicly praised Lively for her honesty and kindness in an Instagram post. This comes after The New York Times published text messages allegedly showing Baldoni orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively. Following the accusations, Baldoni’s agency, WME, terminated their representation of him.
Details of the Complaint
The legal document shared by The New York Times outlines disturbing behavior on the set of It Ends With Us. It states that Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni, and their lawyers attended a meeting to address Lively’s complaints. The accusations against Baldoni include repeated instances of sexual harassment and other inappropriate actions.
The lawsuit mentions several conditions Lively required to continue working on the film, including:
- No more showing explicit videos or images of women to her.
- No mention of Baldoni’s alleged “pornography addiction.”
- No discussions of sexual conquests in front of Lively or others.
- No comments on cast and crew’s genitalia or Lively’s weight.
- No mention of Lively’s deceased father.
These stipulations highlight the hostile work environment Lively experienced while working on the film.
Allegations Against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios
In the legal complaint, Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios are accused of retaliation against Lively. The lawsuit claims that they devised a “multi-tiered plan” to damage her reputation. This alleged plan included the involvement of a crisis communications specialist. The specialist reportedly created “manufactured content” to influence public opinion negatively toward Lively.
The complaint also mentions that Baldoni and his team sought to harm Lively’s credibility after she voiced her concerns about the misconduct. Lively has stated that her legal action aims to shed light on these retaliatory tactics and protect others who might face similar treatment.
Support from Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends With Us, has stood firmly by Lively. On Instagram, Hoover posted a heartfelt message praising Lively’s character. She wrote, “@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Hoover also linked an article titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside A Hollywood Smear Machine to her story. The article delves deeper into the allegations and the retaliatory actions allegedly taken by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios.
Reaction from Baldoni’s Legal Team
Bryan Freedman, the attorney representing Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, has called the claims “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” The defense has denied all accusations and suggested that the legal action is baseless. However, Baldoni’s agency cutting ties with him indicates the seriousness of the allegations.
Background of the Film and Key Players
It Ends With Us is a romantic drama based on Colleen Hoover’s novel. In the story, Lively’s character, Lily, falls in love with Baldoni’s character, Ryle Kincaid, but later reconnects with her first love, portrayed by Brandon Sklenar. The plot explores themes of domestic violence and personal growth. The film had high expectations due to the novel’s popularity.
Justin Baldoni, who also directed the film, is known for his role in the series Jane the Virgin. He authored the book Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity, which challenges traditional notions of masculinity. However, the recent accusations cast a shadow on his public image.
Blake Lively, famous for her roles in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Age of Adaline, and A Simple Favor, has been a beloved figure in Hollywood. She is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, and the couple has four children. Lively’s decision to come forward underscores her commitment to addressing misconduct in the industry.
Hollywood’s Ongoing Battle with Misconduct
This case is the latest in a series of legal battles highlighting harassment and retaliation in Hollywood. Lively’s decision to file a legal complaint against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios emphasizes the need for accountability. It also underscores the importance of supporting individuals who speak out against workplace harassment.
Conclusion
Blake Lively’s allegations against Justin Baldoni have sparked widespread conversations about workplace ethics in Hollywood. With Colleen Hoover’s support and her determination to expose retaliatory tactics, Lively aims to protect others from similar experiences. While Baldoni’s team denies the allegations, the outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact the industry’s approach to addressing misconduct and protecting victims.
