Blake Lively Accuses Director of Harassment and Smear Campaign
In a shocking turn of events, actress Blake Lively has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. The complaint, recently obtained by The Associated Press and reported by The New York Times, details a disturbing series of events that unfolded during the filming of the movie and beyond.
The Allegations
According to the complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, Lively claims that Baldoni engaged in repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior on set. Following a meeting where Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, addressed these issues with Baldoni and a producer, the actress alleges that a coordinated effort was made to tarnish her reputation. This plan reportedly included planting false information on online forums, orchestrating a social media smear campaign, and placing critical news stories about Lively in the media.
Legal Battle Unfolds
In response to these accusations, attorney Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni and the studio, vehemently denied the claims, calling them “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” He stated that the studio had hired a crisis manager in response to Lively’s demands during production, which were not disclosed in the statement. Lively, on the other hand, expressed hope that her legal action would shed light on these alleged retaliatory tactics and protect others who may face similar situations in the future.
Controversy Surrounding “It Ends With Us”
“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was released to critical acclaim in August, exceeding box office expectations with a $50 million debut. However, the film’s success was overshadowed by rumors of discord between its lead actors. While Lively and Reynolds took center stage in promoting the movie, Baldoni faced questions about the film’s portrayal of domestic violence. Despite criticism, Baldoni defended the movie’s intentions, emphasizing the team’s careful approach in addressing sensitive issues.
As the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni unfolds, the entertainment industry braces for the potential fallout of these explosive allegations. Only time will tell how this controversy will impact the future of those involved and the broader conversation around workplace behavior in Hollywood.
