Blake Lively Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni
In a developing story, actress Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment during the filming of the romantic drama It Ends With Us. Lively claims that Baldoni’s behavior created a hostile work environment, including allegations of unwanted advances and personal discussions that were inappropriate.
Accusations and Responses
Lively’s legal team has stated that the lawsuit details incidents in which Baldoni allegedly improvised unwanted kisses, shared intimate details about his sex life, and showed nude images to her and her team. According to the filed lawsuit, an ‘all hands’ meeting was held to address the concerns, where Lively accused Baldoni and Jamey Heath, the CEO of Wayfarer Studios, of creating a hostile work environment.
In response to the allegations, Baldoni’s lawyer called the claims ‘completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.’ Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni, criticized Lively’s statements as attempts to repair her public image amidst criticism for her handling of the film’s promotion.
Background of the Allegations
The friction between Lively and Baldoni has been a topic of interest since the film’s promotional activities began in August. Reports emerged of social media disagreements among the cast, as some crew members reportedly unfollowed Baldoni due to the accusations. Lively’s lawsuit also claims that Baldoni attempted to mitigate public backlash by using domestic violence narratives to defend himself.
What Happens Now?
With the lawsuit filed, it remains uncertain how this legal battle will impact the sequel to It Ends With Us, titled It Starts With Us. Sources indicate that due to the ongoing feud, there may not be a collaborative future for Lively and Baldoni in film productions. In the midst of this dispute, many are closely watching the developments as both sides prepare for what may become a contentious legal process.
Public Sentiment
Recent interviews from Lively show her expressing hope that her legal action will help others in similar positions, emphasizing that people need protection when speaking up about misconduct. Lively stated, ‘I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics.’ As this story unfolds, both fans and the entertainment industry await further developments in this high-profile case.
