Blake Lively has initiated legal proceedings against Justin Baldoni, alleging inappropriate behavior and defamation related to their 2024 film, It Ends With Us. What was initially perceived as a public relations strategy for the film has revealed itself to be an extensive 80-page complaint.

Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment, citing instances of unwanted kissing and inappropriate remarks during the production. Furthermore, she asserts that Baldoni sought to damage her reputation following her rejection of his advances. Baldoni, along with his production company, Wayfarer Studios, has refuted these claims.

Justin Baldoni’s lawyer denies allegations

Lively's legal action is directed not only at director Justin Baldoni but also at prominent members of his production company and individuals purportedly involved in a defamation campaign against her. This group includes the film's lead producer, Jamey Heath, Wayfarer co-owner Steve Sarowitz, among others. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, strongly refutes Lively's claims, describing them as "false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious," as reported by Entertainment Weekly.

Freedman asserts that the actress did not appear on set and created disturbances during filming, which he argues contributed to the film's lackluster performance. He alleges that her actions included "threatening to not show up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release."

Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of harassment and retaliation

The complaint filed by the star of Gossip Girl asserts that Justin Baldoni, in conjunction with producer Jamey Heath and Wayfarer Studios, established a detrimental work environment, disregarded reports of harassment, and neglected to safeguard the well-being of the cast and crew. Furthermore, the document alleges that Baldoni engaged a public relations firm to devise a strategy for retaliation in anticipation of possible allegations being disclosed to the public.

Baldoni added unapproved sexual content post-signing

According to the complaint copy obtained by People, Baldoni inserted sexually explicit and nude scenes, including for an underage character, without Lively’s consent. This included a detailed “virginity loss scene and an orgasm scene” that were not in the original novel.

Digging about Lively's personal life

Baldoni allegedly asked inappropriate questions about Lively’s personal sexual experiences with her husband, which she found invasive and refused to discuss.

Improvised intimate scenes without consent

The filing indicates that during the filming process, Baldoni engaged in unscripted physical intimacy without any prior conversation or choreography. This encompassed kissing scenes as well as a slow dance sequence. As reported by People, one specific incident referenced in the complaint alleges that Baldoni "discreetly bit and sucked on Ms. Lively’s lower lip during a scene in which he improvised multiple kisses for each take." Subsequently, he "insisted" on repeating the shoot "numerous times."

Intrusive behaviours

Both Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath “repeatedly entered Lively’s trailer uninvited while she was undressed or breastfeeding her child.” Baldoni and Heath pressured Lively to simulate full nudity during a birth scene, despite no prior agreement in the script or contract. Producer Jamey Heath reportedly showed Lively and her assistant a graphic, fully nude video of his wife giving birth without their consent.

Degrading comments

Baldoni allegedly criticised Lively’s age and weight post-childbirth, even contacting her trainer to pressure rapid weight loss. He "often" referred to women in the workplace as "sexy". A list of 30 protections was implemented to address the hostile work environment.

Smear Campaign

Prior to the film's premiere, Baldoni reportedly orchestrated a smear campaign targeting Lively, apprehensive that she would disclose her experiences. Lively aspires for her legal proceedings to "reveal the truth behind these malevolent retaliatory strategies" and to safeguard others who come forward regarding misconduct.

Read Also: Alice Rohrwacher Praises Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light as a Major Revelation