WME severs ties with director Justin Baldoni following allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation filed by actress Blake Lively.
December 22, 2024: In a significant fallout from Blake Lively's explosive lawsuit, WME (William Morris Endeavor) has officially cut ties with Justin Baldoni, the director of the upcoming film It Ends With Us. The move comes in response to serious allegations made by Lively, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, inappropriate behavior on set, and professional retaliation after she voiced her concerns.
Allegations and Lawsuit Details
Lively’s 80-page complaint, filed on December 21, outlines multiple disturbing incidents during the filming of It Ends With Us. She accuses Baldoni of creating a "hostile work environment", engaging in unwanted physical contact, making sexually charged remarks, and demonstrating intrusive behavior, including entering her trailer uninvited while she was undressed or breastfeeding.
Additionally, the lawsuit reveals alleged attempts by Baldoni and his team to launch a smear campaign against Lively, with subpoenaed text messages showing PR professionals discussing strategies to discredit her publicly.
Also Read: In Explosive News, Blake Lively Sues Co Actor Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment
WME's Response
While WME has dropped Baldoni as a client, the agency continues to represent Blake Lively. The decision reportedly followed intense scrutiny over the lawsuit's content and growing public backlash.
Also Read: Blake Lively Celebrates Birthday with Ryan Reynolds Amidst Box Office Success
Justin Baldoni's Defense
Baldoni's legal team has denied all allegations, calling them "false, malicious, and deliberately sensational." Despite this defense, the controversy surrounding the director has already had reputational and professional repercussions.
On-Set Conflicts and Fallout
Tensions between Lively and Baldoni allegedly began during the filming of It Ends With Us. The lawsuit claims that despite voicing concerns about inappropriate behavior and requesting specific boundaries, Lively’s grievances were largely ignored. The actress also accuses Baldoni of inserting "unnecessary sexual content" and improvising intimate scenes without her consent.
Industry Impact
The case has already sent shockwaves through Hollywood, highlighting ongoing concerns about workplace safety, power dynamics on film sets, and accountability in the entertainment industry. Insiders predict that this legal battle will not only impact Baldoni’s career but could also reshape industry standards for director-actor dynamics.
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes remain on the case, with Hollywood waiting to see how this controversy will affect the film’s release and the reputations of those involved.
Tags: Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, Sexual Harassment Lawsuit, Hollywood Scandal, It Ends With Us, WME, Workplace Misconduct, Hollywood Legal Battle, Film Industry Controversy, Blake Lively Lawsuit
Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Misha Bhatia
