Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Harassment, Smear Campaign, and Workplace Misconduct

The actress’s 80-page lawsuit alleges unwanted advances, inappropriate conduct on set, and retaliation during the production of It Ends With Us.

December 22, 2024: Blake Lively has filed an explosive 80-page lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her It Ends With Us co-star and director, accusing him of sexual harassment, defamation, and fostering a toxic work environment. What initially appeared to be rumours tied to a PR campaign has unraveled into serious allegations that have sparked significant public discourse.

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The lawsuit alleges that Baldoni engaged in repeated inappropriate conduct, including unwanted kissing, sexual comments, and improvised intimate scenes without Lively's consent during filming. The Gossip Girl star claims Baldoni retaliated with a calculated smear campaign after she rejected his advances, enlisting his production company, Wayfarer Studios, and others to undermine her reputation.

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Key Allegations

1. Sexual Harassment:
   Lively alleges Baldoni kissed her without prior discussion, improvised intimate scenes, and made sexually suggestive remarks. In one instance, he reportedly bit her lower lip during multiple takes of a scene, insisting on reshooting repeatedly.
2. Intrusive Behavior:
   Both Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath allegedly entered Lively’s trailer uninvited while she was undressed or breastfeeding. Heath also showed her and her assistant a graphic video of his wife giving birth without consent.
3. Unauthorized Content Changes:
   Baldoni is accused of inserting explicit and nude scenes into the film, including a “virginity loss” and “orgasm” scene, without Lively’s consent or prior agreement.
4. Degrading Comments:
   The lawsuit claims Baldoni frequently made inappropriate remarks about Lively’s weight and age post-childbirth, even contacting her trainer to pressure rapid weight loss.
5. Smear Campaign:
   Fearing Lively would speak out, Baldoni allegedly orchestrated a coordinated effort to tarnish her reputation, enlisting a PR firm and colleagues to discredit her.
6. Hostile Work Environment:
   Lively’s lawsuit asserts that the production ignored her harassment complaints and failed to protect her and the cast. A list of 30 workplace protections was eventually implemented, but by then, the damage had been done.

Baldoni’s Defense

Justin Baldoni and his legal team have categorically denied the allegations. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, described the claims as "false, outrageous, and salacious," accusing Lively of leveraging the lawsuit to counteract negative media coverage about herself. Freedman further alleged that Lively caused disruptions during filming, leading to the movie’s underperformance.

Impact on the Industry

Lively's case highlights concerns about retaliation and misconduct in Hollywood. In her statement, she expressed hope that her legal action would shed light on such practices and encourage others to speak out.

Public Backlash

The allegations have reignited debates about power dynamics in the entertainment industry. Social media users have expressed both shock and support, while others await further details as the case unfolds.

It Ends With Us premiered earlier this year but faced mixed reviews, with whispers of tension between the lead actors adding to its controversies.

Tags: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, It Ends With Us, sexual harassment, Hollywood lawsuit, workplace misconduct, smear campaign, toxic work environment, workplace retaliation, Blake Lively lawsuit, Justin Baldoni allegations, Hollywood controversy