Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the director of “It Ends With Us,” and others associated with the film. The lawsuit accuses them of harassment and a coordinated effort to damage her reputation. According to reports, Lively claims that Baldoni and the production company, Wayfarer Studios, orchestrated a scheme to silence her and others from speaking out about her treatment on set. The federal lawsuit was filed in New York, shortly after Baldoni and others launched a libel lawsuit against a major newspaper, asserting that the publication and Lively were responsible for a smear campaign.
- Blake Lively’s Lawsuit: Blake Lively has filed a federal lawsuit accusing director Justin Baldoni and others involved in “It Ends With Us” of harassment, inappropriate behavior, and orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
- Counter Allegations: Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios have denied the claims and launched a libel lawsuit against a major newspaper, accusing it of publishing unverified allegations and seeking $250 million in damages.
- Industry Fallout: WME, which represents both Lively and Reynolds, dropped Baldoni following the allegations, intensifying the public scrutiny of the case.
- Broader Implications: The legal battle underscores larger issues in Hollywood, including the treatment of female actors and the role of media in high-profile disputes.
Lively’s allegations include repeated sexual harassment and other inappropriate behavior by Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath. The lawsuit claims that Baldoni and Heath made inappropriate comments about Lively and other women’s bodies and tried to pressure Lively into revealing details about her personal life. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has labeled the allegations as false and intentionally salacious.
This legal battle emerges from the backdrop of “It Ends With Us,” a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Released in August, the film exceeded box office expectations but was marred by rumors of discord between Lively and Baldoni. Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, reportedly addressed these concerns in a meeting, triggering the alleged retaliatory campaign against her.
The film’s release coincided with the promotion of another movie by Reynolds, who was part of the press circuit for “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Lively, known for her role in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the TV series “Gossip Girl,” took the spotlight during the film’s promotion while Baldoni stayed in the background. Baldoni, who directed “Five Feet Apart” and wrote a book challenging traditional masculinity, has faced criticism for potentially romanticizing domestic violence in “It Ends With Us.”
Baldoni’s agency, WME, dropped him following Lively’s complaint and the subsequent publication of the allegations. The agency also represents Lively and Reynolds. Baldoni’s libel lawsuit against the newspaper seeks at least $250 million in damages, claiming the publication relied on Lively’s unverified narrative and disregarded evidence contradicting her claims. The newspaper stands by its reporting, asserting that it was meticulously sourced and fact-checked.
The legal confrontations highlight ongoing discussions in Hollywood about the treatment of female actors on set and in the media. The outcome of these lawsuits may have significant implications for the industry, as both sides prepare to defend their positions vigorously in court.