Blake Lively Alleges Harassment and Smear Campaign by ‘It Ends With Us’ Director Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively has filed a legal complaint alleging sexual harassment against her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. She claims that Baldoni engaged in efforts to damage her reputation following discussions about inappropriate behavior on set.

According to a report by The New York Times, Lively’s complaint was filed with the California Civil Rights Department and includes Baldoni, the film’s studio, and Baldoni’s publicists as defendants. This action comes ahead of a potential lawsuit.

The complaint outlines what Lively describes as a “multi-tiered plan” devised by Baldoni and the studio to tarnish her image after she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, confronted Baldoni about ongoing sexual harassment and unsettling conduct by him and a producer during filming.

Lively’s allegations suggest that the defendants conspired to spread false narratives online, create a negative social media campaign, and generate stories that would cast her in an unfavorable light. Furthermore, the document alleges that Baldoni redirected the movie’s marketing strategy, leveraging content related to domestic violence to shield his public persona.

In response, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, expressed strong denial of Lively’s claims, labeling them as “totally false, outrageous, and intentionally sensationalized.” Freedman stated that their legal strategy was a proactive measure due to the many demands and threats posed by Lively throughout the production process, noting that she threatened not to appear on set or promote the film unless her unspecified demands were met.

Lively hopes that her legal action will dispel what she calls “sinister retaliatory tactics” aimed at those who report misconduct and urges for protections for others who might find themselves in similar situations. She has categorically denied any involvement in spreading negative information about Baldoni or the studio.

“It Ends With Us,” adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel, premiered in August, significantly surpassing box office expectations with an impressive $50 million opening. However, the film’s launch was overshadowed by rumors of discord between Lively and Baldoni. While Lively participated actively in promoting the film alongside Reynolds, Baldoni adopted a more subdued role during the media tour.

As the director and co-star of the film, Baldoni, known for his role in the cult favorite “Jane the Virgin,” responded to allegations that the film romanticized domestic violence. He acknowledged the backlash, stating that he respected critics’ opinions and emphasized their intentional approach to the film’s creation.

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