Blake Lively Files Lawsuit Against ‘It Ends With Us’ Director Justin Baldoni/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Actor Blake Lively has filed a federal lawsuit against It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. The lawsuit follows allegations of misconduct on set and retaliation after Lively raised concerns. Baldoni and his team have countersued the New York Times for libel over a related exposé.
Lively vs. Baldoni: Quick Looks
- Federal Lawsuit Filed: Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of harassment and retaliation.
- Smear Campaign Alleged: Lively claims Baldoni targeted her reputation with online and media attacks.
- Libel Suit Counters: Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios sued the New York Times for $250 million.
- Hollywood Fallout: The controversy has led to Baldoni being dropped by WME, his talent agency.
- Box Office Hit, Off-Screen Tension: The drama unfolds after the successful release of It Ends With Us.
Blake Lively Files Lawsuit Against ‘It Ends With Us’ Director Justin Baldoni
Deep Look
Blake Lively has taken legal action against Justin Baldoni, director of the romantic drama It Ends With Us, accusing him of repeated harassment on set and a coordinated effort to smear her reputation. The federal lawsuit, filed Tuesday in New York, alleges that Baldoni, production company Wayfarer Studios, and others retaliated against Lively after she voiced concerns about inappropriate behavior.
Allegations of Harassment and Retaliation
According to the lawsuit, Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, raised issues of “repeated sexual harassment and disturbing behavior” by Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath during production. The suit alleges that Baldoni and Wayfarer devised a multi-tiered strategy to tarnish Lively’s reputation, including planting false theories online and orchestrating a media smear campaign.
The accusations detail inappropriate comments about Lively’s and other women’s bodies on set, as well as efforts to pressure her into discussing personal matters. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has called the allegations “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”
Countersuit Filed Against The New York Times
In response to the controversy, Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times the same day as Lively’s federal complaint. The lawsuit accuses the newspaper of publishing a one-sided account of events based on Lively’s “self-serving narrative” and failing to consider evidence contradicting her claims.
The Times defended its reporting, stating that its story, which included text messages and emails, was “meticulously and responsibly reported.”
Hollywood and Legal Fallout
The legal battle has intensified scrutiny of Hollywood’s treatment of female actors and working conditions on film sets. Baldoni, who was dropped by his agency WME following the allegations, has also faced criticism for his handling of the film’s promotional campaign.
A Tense Backdrop
The controversy has overshadowed the success of It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Released in August, the movie was a box office hit, debuting with $50 million. However, speculation about discord between Lively and Baldoni has persisted, with Lively taking a prominent role in promotion while Baldoni kept a low profile.
What Lies Ahead?
The dueling lawsuits highlight growing conversations in Hollywood about accountability and the treatment of actors. As the legal battle unfolds, the fallout may further impact reputations, careers, and industry standards.
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