Journalist Speaks Out Amid Claims of a Smear Campaign Against Blake Lively
A journalist who went viral for sharing a controversial interview with Blake Lively has broken her silence in light of the actress’s recent lawsuit alleging a smear campaign orchestrated by co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
Blake Lively has sued Justin Baldoni. Credit: Dave Benett / Getty
Lively’s Lawsuit Sparks Controversy
The 37-year-old actress, best known for Gossip Girl and Age of Adaline, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni earlier this month, accusing him of sexual harassment and organizing a campaign to tarnish her reputation.
Norwegian interviewer Kjersti Flaa shares her “nightmare” interview with Blake Lively, conducted in 2016 while Lively was promoting Woody Allen’s ‘Café Society’:
“Sitting down with Blake Lively and her co star Parker Posey for Cafe Society (2016) is the most uncomfortable… pic.twitter.com/E6hWzTcYYp
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 15, 2024
- Allegations Against Baldoni: Lively’s legal complaint reportedly includes emails and text messages—obtained via subpoena—allegedly showing Baldoni and his team planning a “social manipulation” campaign to discredit her.
- Smear Campaign Claims: Baldoni’s lawyer has denied the accusations, calling them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”
Viral Interview Resurfaces
The lawsuit has drawn fresh attention to a 2016 interview Lively did with Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa, which was described as “awkward” and “rude.” Flaa, 51, interviewed Lively and co-star Parker Posey during a press tour for Café Society.
Lively claimed in her lawsuit that Baldoni launched a smear campaign against her. Credit: James Devaney / Getty
- The Viral Moment: Flaa congratulated Lively on her “little bump,” referencing the actress’s second pregnancy. Lively, then 28, sarcastically replied, “Congrats on your little bump.”
- Why Now? In August, Flaa uploaded the interview to YouTube, titling it “The Blake Lively interview that made me want to quit my job.” She claimed it was to “call out bad behavior in Hollywood.”
Ties to the Smear Campaign?
Speculation arose after the lawsuit revealed Baldoni’s alleged attempts to ruin Lively’s public image.
The timing of Flaa’s video resurfacing has raised questions.
- Subpoenaed Evidence: Emails allegedly show coordination between Baldoni’s PR team and crisis managers.
- Flaa Denies Involvement: Flaa released a statement on Instagram, asserting she had no connection to Baldoni or the smear campaign. “I would never take part in anything like that,” she said. Flaa also clarified in a YouTube video that she had “never met” Baldoni before.
Lively Takes Action
In addition to suing Baldoni, Lively has also filed complaints against his production company Wayfarer Studios, its co-founder Steve Sarowitz, and the film’s producer Jamey Heath.
- Blake’s Statement: “I hope this lawsuit helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct,” Lively said, adding that she wants to protect others from similar treatment.
- Defense from Baldoni’s Lawyer: Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, claimed Lively’s legal action was an attempt to “fix her negative reputation” and blamed her for issues on set, including threats to skip filming and promotional events.
Lively also filed against Baldoni's production company and hired pr crisis team. Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
The Bigger Picture
The alleged feud between Lively and Baldoni has been a topic of speculation since their film It Ends With Us debuted in August. The absence of joint appearances and social media interaction only fueled rumors.
With the lawsuit now in the spotlight, the industry is watching closely to see how these allegations unfold and what it might mean for Hollywood’s handling of misconduct.
Featured Image Credit: Cindy Ord / Getty
