Footage from It Ends With Us is at the center of a legal dispute as Baldoni and Lively offer conflicting interpretations of events.
January 22, 2025: A legal battle has erupted between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, with allegations of sexual harassment on the sets of It Ends With Us sparking intense public debate. Lively has accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior during filming, while Baldoni has released footage to counter her claims.
Baldoni’s legal team has provided raw, unedited footage to The Daily Beast to “dispel the false allegations,” arguing it shows mutual respect and professionalism. The footage features a slow-dance scene that plays a central role in Lively’s allegations.
The Allegations and the Footage
According to Lively’s lawsuit, Baldoni allegedly “leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear down her neck, saying, ‘It smells so good.’” She claims his behavior was unprofessional and dismissive when confronted.
Baldoni, however, contends that the released footage proves otherwise. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated, “All three takes filmed in the sequence show both actors behaving within the scope of the scene with mutual respect.”
The video also captures light-hearted moments between the actors, including a discussion about enhancing the scene’s romantic tone and jokes about their respective spouses. At one point, Lively jokes about her spray tan rubbing off, to which Baldoni responds, “It smells good.”
Conflicting Interpretations
While Baldoni’s team asserts the footage clears his name, Lively’s legal team argues it “corroborates” her claims. In a statement to TMZ, they described the footage as “damning” and aligned with her detailed allegations.
Freedman responded, “Justin Baldoni and his team have nothing to hide. This video proves his innocence once more.” He also announced plans to launch a website sharing correspondence and evidence to refute the claims.
Ongoing Dispute
This case has attracted widespread attention, with both sides presenting starkly contrasting narratives. Lively’s lawsuit, filed in December, and Baldoni’s counter-efforts suggest a prolonged legal battle ahead.
Tags: Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, Sexual Harassment Allegations, It Ends With Us, Hollywood Legal Disputes