Blake Lively’s legal claim against Justin Baldoni has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. The accusations made by Lively, known for her role in “Gossip Girl,” accuse Baldoni of creating a toxic, uncomfortable environment on the set of “It Ends With Us.”
Lively has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation after what she claims were inappropriate and disturbing actions on the set of the film, which Baldoni directed. According to Lively, these actions went beyond the set and included a calculated effort to damage her reputation.
Disturbing Allegations on Set
Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni centers on several unsettling claims related to the filming of “It Ends With Us.” Lively alleges that Baldoni, who also played a lead role in the movie, added unexpected and inappropriate sexual content to the script after she signed on.
These additions, including scenes involving nudity and explicit moments not found in Colleen Hoover’s original novel, were reportedly introduced without her consent.
Among the claims is an allegation that Baldoni insisted on adding a scene in which Lively’s character was to orgasm on camera. When Lively voiced her objections to these changes, Baldoni allegedly told her that the film was being made “through the female gaze.” He then tried to keep a wedding night scene where both characters reach orgasm simultaneously, which he claimed was important to him for personal reasons.
Unwanted Physical Contact and Questions About Her Personal Life
The complaint also details a disturbing pattern of physical misconduct. Lively claims that Baldoni “improvised” physical intimacy that had not been discussed or rehearsed, which included multiple unsolicited kisses during a scene. In one instance, Baldoni reportedly bit Lively’s lower lip and insisted on repeating the kiss during every take.
Lively also asserts that Baldoni crossed professional boundaries by asking highly personal questions about her private life. The director allegedly inquired if she and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, climaxed at the same time during sex. This invasive question, according to Lively, made her uncomfortable, leading her to decline further discussion.
Alleged Behavior From Other Production Staff
Lively’s lawsuit also involves the film’s producer, Jamey Heath, accusing him of similarly inappropriate actions. She claims that Heath showed her and her assistant an explicit video of his wife giving birth, which Lively initially mistook for pornography. Lively also says that both Baldoni and Heath repeatedly entered her trailer without notice while she was undressed or breastfeeding her child, a violation of her privacy.
At one point, during the filming of a scene involving childbirth, Lively alleges that she was pressured into simulating full nudity despite this not being discussed in the script or her contract. She also claims that she was coerced into performing in a manner that left her feeling uncomfortable and exposed.
A Smear Campaign and Retaliation
The legal complaint suggests that after Lively raised these concerns, Baldoni and his team began an effort to damage her reputation. The lawsuit claims that Baldoni, fearing Lively would expose the truth about his actions, enlisted a public relations team to tarnish her image before the movie’s release. Text messages included in the complaint reveal that Baldoni’s team worked to suppress negative content about him while amplifying his public persona.
In one such exchange, a public relations executive allegedly relayed Baldoni’s desire to “bury” Lively, expressing a need to take drastic measures to protect his reputation. The complaint further alleges that Baldoni’s camp used manipulative tactics to discredit Lively’s version of events, ensuring that the public only saw him in a positive light.
Hollywood’s Continuing Struggles With Set Misconduct
This legal action brings attention to the broader issue of inappropriate behavior on film sets, an issue that continues to affect many in the entertainment industry. For Lively, the legal battle against Baldoni represents a stand not only against his alleged actions but also against the culture of secrecy and retaliation that often silences victims of harassment.
Despite the allegations, Baldoni’s legal representation denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the lawsuit is part of an attempt to improve Lively’s image by discrediting him. The case has yet to be resolved, but it raises important questions about the standards of behavior in the industry and the importance of protecting actors from harassment and exploitation.
What’s Next for “It Ends With Us”?
As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of “It Ends With Us” remains uncertain. The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s beloved novel, has generated much buzz but is now overshadowed by the allegations surrounding its production.
Fans of the book and the movie are left wondering how these serious claims will impact both the film’s release and the broader Hollywood landscape. Whether the accusations will influence public reception or lead to further industry-wide changes is yet to be seen.
The lawsuit filed by Blake Lively is an important reminder that the entertainment industry still has a long way to go in terms of ensuring safe and respectful work environments for everyone involved.