Actor Blake Lively has accused her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
The allegations surfaced in a legal complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, as reported by The New York Times.
In the complaint, Lively, 37, claims that Baldoni, 40, and the studio behind the movie engaged in a “multi-tiered plan” to tarnish her reputation following her and her husband Ryan Reynolds’ efforts to address Baldoni’s alleged misconduct on set.
The complaint states that Lively and Reynolds, 48, raised concerns about “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior” by Baldoni and a producer involved with the film.
In response, the defendants allegedly devised a strategy to discredit Lively by planting false narratives online, orchestrating a negative social media campaign, and publishing critical stories in the press.
These efforts, the complaint alleges, were aimed at undermining Lively’s credibility and protecting Baldoni’s public image.
Lively further claims that Baldoni deviated from the agreed marketing strategy for the film, choosing instead to use domestic violence survivor-themed content to shield himself from public criticism.
This shift, she alleges, was an attempt to manipulate the narrative and distract from the allegations of misconduct.
According to Lively, these actions not only harmed her reputation but also exploited sensitive issues for personal gain, intensifying the emotional toll she endured.
In a statement, Bryan Freedman, the attorney representing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its representatives, dismissed the claims as “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” He accused Lively of making “multiple demands and threats” during production, prompting the studio to hire a crisis manager preemptively.
Freedman also alleged that Lively threatened to withdraw from filming and refuse to promote the movie unless her unspecified demands were met. These accusations, however, were vehemently denied by Lively.
Addressing the allegations of retaliation, Lively told The New York Times, “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
She denied any involvement in spreading false information about Baldoni or the studio and emphasized her commitment to exposing the truth.
The conflict between Lively and Baldoni cast a shadow over the August release of It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel. Speculation about discord between the lead actors had been rife in the months leading up to the release.
While Lively took center stage during the film’s promotional activities, Baldoni maintained a noticeably low profile, fueling rumors of tension between the two.
Adding to the complexity of the situation was Ryan Reynolds’ simultaneous press circuit for Deadpool & Wolverine.
Reynolds’ active participation in promoting his own project seemed to contrast with Baldoni’s absence, drawing further attention to the strained dynamics within the It Ends With Us team.
This juxtaposition raised questions about the behind-the-scenes atmosphere during the film’s production and promotional efforts.
The allegations of harassment and retaliation mark a significant turning point in the narrative surrounding It Ends With Us.
As the story unfolds, it brings to light broader issues of power dynamics, accountability, and the treatment of individuals who raise concerns about workplace misconduct.
The case has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by actors and creatives who stand up against alleged abuse within the entertainment industry.
Baldoni, who is known for his roles in Jane the Virgin and as a filmmaker with a focus on social justice themes, now faces scrutiny over his alleged behavior on set.
The allegations contrast sharply with his public persona, raising questions about the discrepancies between his professional image and personal conduct.
The lawsuit, if pursued, could have far-reaching implications for his career and the reputations of those associated with the film.
Lively, a celebrated actor with an extensive career, has received widespread support from fans and colleagues in the wake of the allegations.
Her decision to take legal action underscores her determination to confront the alleged misconduct and hold those responsible accountable.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar issues are addressed in Hollywood moving forward.
The controversy surrounding It Ends With Us also highlights the challenges faced by adaptations of beloved novels.
While the film’s production had initially generated excitement among fans of Colleen Hoover’s work, the ongoing conflict between its lead actors has overshadowed the story’s themes and potential impact. This situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in bringing literary works to the screen.
As the legal proceedings progress, the entertainment industry watches closely, reflecting on its own practices and responsibilities.
The case not only sheds light on the experiences of individuals like Lively but also raises critical questions about how allegations of misconduct are handled within a highly public and influential industry.
