Blake Lively sues Justin Baldoni, alleging harassment, inappropriate behavior, and a retaliatory smear campaign after their film collaboration.
Baldoni’s lawyer has denied the claims, calling Lively’s legal action an attempt to repair her reputation.
Blake Lively, 37, alleged that Baldoni, 40, who directed and acted in It Ends with Us, displayed disturbing and unprofessional behavior. She claimed Baldoni retaliated with a smear campaign after filming concluded, intensifying their conflict.
The lawsuit also targets the film’s producer, Jamey Heath, Baldoni’s production company Wayfarer Studios, and its co-founder Steve Sarowitz. Additional defendants include Jed Wallace, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel, implicated in the alleged defamation efforts.
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, dismissed the allegations as false and salacious, asserting Lively aimed to counteract her declining public image. Freedman accused Lively of threatening production by refusing to appear on set or promote the film, harming its release.
Before filming began, Baldoni allegedly added sexual scenes, including nudity, without Lively’s consent. These additions deviated significantly from the original novel’s content, causing her distress.
Lively objected to a scene depicting her character’s orgasm and a graphic virginity loss sequence for a minor character. Baldoni initially defended these changes as promoting a “female gaze” but eventually removed most.
However, Baldoni resisted cutting a wedding-night orgasm scene, citing its personal significance. He intrusively questioned Lively about her intimate relationship, making her uncomfortable.
During filming, Baldoni allegedly improvised physical intimacy without discussion or coordination. He repeatedly kissed Lively in unscripted ways, often biting and sucking her lip during takes.
In one scene, Baldoni leaned close to Lively, commenting on her scent while caressing her with his mouth. She found this highly inappropriate.
After Lively expressed her discomfort, Baldoni reportedly dismissed her concerns, asserting he wasn’t attracted to her. This worsened tensions between them.
A meeting involving Lively, Baldoni, and producers led to promises of an intimacy coordinator and restrictions on improvising intimate scenes. These measures aimed to address Lively’s concerns about professional boundaries.
Despite this, Baldoni and Heath allegedly shared personal sexual experiences, pressuring Lively to engage in similar discussions. They created an uncomfortable work environment.
During a birthing scene, Lively claimed Baldoni and Heath pushed her to simulate full nudity without prior agreement. Protections were inadequate.
Heath allegedly showed Lively and her assistant a graphic video of his wife’s childbirth without their consent, mistaking it for pornography initially. Lively described this as highly invasive.
Both men frequently entered Lively’s trailer unannounced while she was undressed or breastfeeding, showing a shocking disregard for privacy. Their behavior escalated tensions.
Baldoni spoke openly about past relationships, including instances of non-consensual conduct. This prompted Lively’s driver to request she avoid being alone with him.
Baldoni’s comments about Lively’s appearance also caused distress. He criticized her weight and age, undermining her confidence on set.
The director allegedly pressured Lively to reveal her body in public settings, calling her “sexy” in ways that made her feel objectified. These interactions strained their professional relationship further.
Lively’s lawsuit claims Baldoni’s actions extended to orchestrating a smear campaign against her. She included texts and emails suggesting deliberate efforts to harm her reputation.
Communications between Baldoni’s team detailed strategies to “discredit” Lively and prevent her from speaking out. These tactics aimed to protect Baldoni’s public image.
Wayfarer Studios eventually agreed to implement safeguards after a meeting addressing the hostile work environment. Measures included banning unsolicited physical contact and sexual comments.
Although Wayfarer acknowledged the importance of a safe environment, the lawsuit alleges continued retaliatory behavior, including misinformation campaigns and targeted attacks on Lively.
Lively aims to reveal the retaliatory tactics used against those reporting misconduct, seeking justice and safeguards for future victims. She aimed to protect others from similar treatment.