Posted on December 23, 2024
American actress Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and defamation. Variety.
In the lawsuit, Lively, who is best known for her role gossip girlclaimed that Baldoni launched a campaign of defamation against her and caused significant emotional distress to both her and her family.
Sony Pictures
The lawsuit follows a controversial press tour for the film, during which Baldoni was notably absent from promotional activities, while Lively was criticized for allegedly taking a light-hearted approach while promoting the domestic violence film. had to face Social media users speculated that Baldoni was dropped from promotional events due to disagreements with Lively, with some even claiming that he was the only cast member to genuinely address the issue of domestic violence.
Lively’s complaint alleges that film producers Baldoni and Jamie Heath engaged in unprofessional conduct, including their This includes sharing details of past sexual relationships and discussing their previous struggles with pornography addiction. Lively also claimed that Baldoni made disturbing comments, such as that he could communicate with the dead, including his father, Ernie. Lively, who died in 2021. The complaint called the actions inappropriate, saying, “It was inappropriate and a violation. Mr. Baldoni had recently passed away. Claim a personal relationship with the father.
In a statement to The New York TimesLively hoped her legal action would expose the “horrendous retaliatory tactics used to target people who speak out about abuse,” adding that it would protect others. Help will also be provided to those who may face similar attacks.
The lawsuit further details a meeting in January 2024 to discuss Lively’s concerns and her terms for returning to work on the film, which was reportedly attended by her husband, Ryan Reynolds. According to Variety, Lively raised several issues during the meeting, including Baldoni’s comments about her trainer’s weight, attempts to pressure her about her religious beliefs, and inappropriate discussions about her sex life. are included.
The New York Times
The New York Times
Additionally, Lively accused Heath, who is also the CEO of the film’s production company Wayfarer Studios, of showing her the video of his wife giving birth. Lyle claimed that both Baldoni and Heath entered her makeup trailer without permission, even while she was breastfeeding her newborn child. The lawsuit states that the concerns were not only about Lively, but also about other female cast and crew members who had voiced similar complaints.
Lively reportedly demanded that no more sex scenes be added to the original script than those already approved. The complaint states that Sony Pictures, the film’s distributor, agreed to her requests, but accused Baldoni of engaging in “social manipulation” and launching a campaign to damage Lively’s reputation.
The lawsuit included detailed records of a meeting where Lively demanded that Baldoni and Heath refrain from discussing her pornography addiction, making inappropriate comments about her body, or including any additional sexual content in the script. The complaint also states that Lively urged Baldoni to stop claiming that he could talk to his late father.
smear campaign
Baldoni and Heath reportedly hired a crisis PR specialist, and Lively’s lawsuit includes text messages and emails obtained through a subpoena that outline efforts to tarnish her image. . The New York TimesThe first outlet to publish full details of the case revealed that the documents outlined a secret strategy for running a digital smear campaign.
Pop base on X
In an Aug. 2 text message, a publicist working with the studio and Baldoni said “he wants to feel like he can be buried.” Another message detailed a publicist commenting on how “lucky” Baldoni was at the time, writing that they needed to stress how lucky he was.
“Mr. Baldoni and his Wafer colleagues launched a sophisticated press and digital plan to retaliate against Ms. Lively for exercising her legally protected right to speak out about her misconduct on set,” the lawsuit states. does, the additional purpose was to intimidate him and anyone else from revealing what actually happened.”
The campaign reportedly involved subcontractors who used a “digital army” from locations across the country to create, share, and promote what appeared to be organic content on social media and Internet forums.
During the film’s promotional events, Lively received backlash for her comments about the film, including encouraging people to “grab your friends, wear your flowers” and attend screenings. She faced backlash for repeatedly promoting her hair care line and alcohol brand, Betty Biz. . She even hosted a flower-themed party for the film’s release, which she posted about on Instagram, much to the fury of her fans who found her behavior tone-deaf. Many criticized him for not taking the issue of domestic violence seriously.
Some netizens claimed that Baldoni was “the only person to actually speak out against DV” during the promotional period.
Retaliatory action
Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, responded to the lawsuit, calling the allegations “disgraceful” and “clearly false.” He further claimed that Lively had made several threats, including refusing to come on set and threatening to damage the film’s release if his demands were not met.
Friedman accused Lively of making “deliberately malicious” allegations intended to publicly damage Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. was He also claimed that Lively and his team had spread negative information about Baldoni and the production company.
In response, Lively denied allegations that he or his representatives planted or disseminated damaging information about Baldoni or Wayfarer Studios. The New York Times.
Responsiveness and support
After the lawsuit was filed, talent and media agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) dropped Baldoni as a client, as reported. The Hollywood Reporter. Lyle and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, are both represented by the agency.
It ends with us. Author Colleen Hoover, whose novel inspired the film, expressed her support for Lively in the wake of the allegations. On Instagram, Hoover posted a photo of herself with Lively, writing, “Since the day we met you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient. Thank you for being exactly who you are. Never change.” . will never die.”
Instagram/ColleenHoover
Lively’s sister, Robyn Lively, also shared. The New York Times exposed and urged his followers to read the article, which emphasized the reality behind the situation and what Blake endured during filming. She described Blake as “one of the kindest, most honest and loving people” she knew, noting that her sister made the film despite “disgusting working conditions”. But he worked hard.
Rubin added that while audiences may criticize the film’s marketing choices, Black shouldn’t take full responsibility for them.
From Lively’s co-stars Sister of the travel pantsAmerica Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblin also expressed their solidarity with him. The trio posted on Instagram, “During the entire shoot of the film It ends with us.we watched him summon the courage to demand a safer workplace for himself and his colleagues on set, and we were shocked to read evidence of the premeditated and vindictive effort that made up his voice. Defamed.”
He condemned the exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence Lively, calling it hypocritical. Actresses praised Lively’s courage and encouraged people to read. The New York Times Article for more details. The post was later re-shared by Hoover.