Blake Lively Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Co-Star Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively has recently filed a lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star, Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment during the production of the film. This lawsuit has sparked significant attention due to the allegations and the ongoing legal proceedings.

Background of the Lawsuit

Blake Lively, 37, starred as Lily Bloom in the highly successful adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us, which grossed $350 million at the box office. The film portrays a complicated and abusive relationship between Lily (played by Lively) and Ryle (played by Baldoni).

Blake Lively has sued Justin Baldoni. Credit: Gotham / Getty

In August, rumors emerged regarding tension between the two stars. Lively and Baldoni did not appear together during press events, with Baldoni attending solo, fueling speculation of a feud. He later hinted at “friction” on set, but Lively did not address these rumors at the time.

The Allegations Against Baldoni

In the filing obtained by TMZ, Lively accuses Baldoni of causing her “severe emotional distress” and participating in a campaign to damage her reputation.

Lively has accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment. Credit: John Nacion / Getty

Lively claims that a meeting took place to discuss her concerns, with her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, attending to support her.

Lively’s lawsuit lists several demands she made during this meeting, including:

• No more showing nude videos or discussing Baldoni’s past “pornography addiction.”
• No discussions about sexual conquests or inappropriate topics in front of Lively and others.
• No further mention of Lively’s deceased father or her weight.
• No additions of explicit scenes outside the scope of the approved script.

The actors on the set of It Ends With Us. Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin / Getty

Sony Pictures, the film’s distributor, reportedly approved these requests. However, Lively alleges that Baldoni continued to undermine her and orchestrated a campaign to harm her reputation after the meeting.

Lively’s Statement and Public Response

In a statement to The New York Times, Lively expressed her hope that the lawsuit would help expose retaliatory tactics against people who speak out about misconduct. “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,” Lively said.

Baldoni’s Legal Team Responds

In response to the lawsuit, Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, criticized Lively’s claims, describing them as “false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” Freedman also argued that Lively caused disruptions on set, threatening not to show up or promote the film, which negatively impacted the film’s release.

The Impact on the Film’s Legacy

As the lawsuit unfolds, It Ends With Us continues to be streamed by audiences. The film, which explores the complexities of abusive relationships, now finds itself at the center of a real-life controversy that is drawing attention from fans and critics alike.

Featured image credit: Kristina Bumphrey / Getty