Blake Lively’s recent lawsuit against Justin Baldoni sheds light on troubling events from It Ends With Us production. The actress alleges Baldoni admitted to not “always” seeking consent in past relationships. Legal documents detail Baldoni’s and producer Jamey Heath’s inappropriate discussions on their sexual experiences, creating discomfort and pressuring Lively to share personal details.
The lawsuit also references an incident during a car ride where Baldoni allegedly discussed past sexual abuse and confessed to ignoring consent at times. Lively’s driver reportedly expressed concern for her safety afterward, advising she avoid being alone with Baldoni. These allegations form part of her claim that Baldoni fostered a hostile work environment, causing her severe emotional distress.
Lively also accuses Baldoni and his team of orchestrating a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. Texts and emails reportedly reveal plans to use “astroturfing” to undermine her credibility. Additionally, Lively’s legal filing describes a production meeting addressing her demands to eliminate inappropriate behaviors, including unsolicited sexual discussions and comments about her weight and late father.
A particularly alarming allegation involves Baldoni improvising intimate scenes without consent. Documents claim he bit and kissed Lively during multiple takes, actions neither rehearsed nor approved. The lawsuit also asserts that other female cast and crew members had raised concerns about Baldoni’s behavior. One actress reportedly lodged a formal sexual harassment complaint after gross and unwanted comments.
Lively’s lawsuit portrays a pattern of unprofessional conduct, with one actress allegedly feeling she could no longer communicate with Baldoni. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s lawyer has denied the claims, labeling them “false, outrageous, and salacious,” accusing Lively of trying to salvage her reputation.
Support for Lively has grown, with author Colleen Hoover and others backing her publicly. Hoover commended Lively’s courage, emphasizing her resilience in refusing to remain silent. Lively hopes her lawsuit sheds light on the retaliatory tactics used against whistleblowers, potentially protecting others from similar misconduct.
Despite the legal battle, Lively maintains her commitment to exposing unacceptable behavior and defending her integrity. As the case unfolds, the accusations raise broader concerns about power dynamics and workplace harassment in the film industry.