Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, alleging misconduct during the film’s production and a subsequent smear campaign. The lawsuit sheds light on reported tensions between the two, which were already widely speculated during the movie’s press tour. Fans noticed their lack of joint interviews, absence of photos together at the premiere, and Blake’s silence regarding her working relationship with Justin.
According to the lawsuit, Blake, 37, claims that Justin, 40, engaged in inappropriate behavior on set, which caused her “severe emotional distress.” TMZ reports that a production meeting was held to address her concerns, with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, also present.
The alleged demands based on Blake’s claims included:
•Prohibiting the showing of nude images or videos of women.
•Avoiding mention of Baldoni’s alleged past “pornography addiction.”
•Ceasing conversations about sexual conquests and cast/crew members’ genitalia.
•Respecting Blake’s privacy by refraining from inquiries about her weight or discussing her late father.
•Ensuring no additional sex scenes or explicit content beyond the approved script.
Sony Pictures reportedly agreed to these terms, but Blake alleges that Justin retaliated by launching a campaign to harm her reputation, further impacting her personal and professional life.
Another reported point of contention was the film’s marketing approach. While Justin allegedly pushed for a campaign highlighting domestic violence, Blake preferred a narrative focusing on her character’s resilience. The disagreement reportedly added fuel to their strained dynamic.
After the lawsuit became public, Blake issued a statement via The New York Times:
“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, denied Blake’s claims, calling them “categorically false.” In a statement shared with Just Jared, Freedman accused Blake of attempting to “fix her negative reputation” and blamed her for the film’s underperformance.
“It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its representatives as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation,” Freedman stated.
The statement further alleged that Blake’s demands during production, including threats to boycott filming and press activities, prompted Wayfarer Studios to hire a crisis manager. It also accused her representative, Leslie Sloan, of planting false stories in the media.
The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of behind-the-scenes conflicts, with both parties presenting conflicting narratives. While Blake aims to bring attention to alleged misconduct and retaliation, Justin’s team firmly denies the accusations and suggests ulterior motives.
As this legal battle unfolds, it’s clear that the issues extend beyond the typical creative differences often seen in Hollywood. Fans and industry watchers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on developments as both stars navigate the fallout.
