Blake Lively arrives at the UK Gala Screening for the film *It Ends With Us* on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in London, where she poses for photographers. AP Photo
Blake Lively has filed a legal complaint accusing her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star, Justin Baldoni, of sexual harassment during the production of the film. The complaint, which was filed with the California Civil Rights Department, also targets Baldoni’s publicists and the studio behind the film. This legal action precedes a formal lawsuit.
In the complaint, Lively alleges that Baldoni and the studio initiated a “multi-tiered plan” to harm her reputation after she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, confronted Baldoni and a producer about “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior” during the filming. The complaint detail an attempt by the accused to damage Lively’s image, which included efforts to plant negative rumors on online message boards, launch a social media campaign against her, and leak critical news stories. The complaint further suggests that Baldoni altered the marketing strategy for the film to protect his own public image, using “domestic violence survivor content” as a shield.
Lively's complaint sheds light on her desire to expose the alleged campaign against her, saying that it was designed to “destroy” her reputation. She expressed hope that her legal action would not only reveal these retaliatory tactics but also protect others who might be targeted for speaking out about misconduct. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics,” Lively said in a statement. “I hope it helps protect others who may be targeted.”
In response, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, denied the claims, calling them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious” in an effort to damage his client’s reputation. Freedman contended that the studio had hired a crisis manager due to “multiple demands and threats” from Lively during production. The attorney also claimed that Lively threatened not to appear on set or promote the film unless her unspecified demands were met.
Justin Baldoni takes part in the world premiere of *It Ends With Us* at AMC Lincoln Square in New York on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. AP Photo
Despite the controversy surrounding the production of the film, “It Ends With Us” became a box-office hit, surpassing expectations with a $50 million debut in August. However, the release was marred by rumors of tension between the lead stars, Lively and Baldoni. During the promotion of the film, Baldoni largely stayed out of the spotlight, with Lively taking the lead alongside her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who was simultaneously promoting “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Baldoni, known for his role in the telenovela “Jane the Virgin” and his work as a director and author, has since addressed the criticism that the film romanticized domestic violence. While acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic, Baldoni defended the film, stating that they were “very intentional” in its making and understanding the real-life struggles of those who have experienced domestic abuse.
As the situation unfolds, the public is left to wait and see how this legal battle will affect the future of the film and its stars.
