Many of Hollywood’s A-listers are supporting Blake Lively in the wake of her misconduct claims. ends with us Co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
The complaint, filed last week with the California Department of Civil Rights, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment on the film’s set and subsequent attempts to “destroy” Lively’s reputation.
In the complaint, Lively accused Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of embarking on a “pyramid scheme” to tarnish her reputation following a meeting in which she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, cited “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing conduct” by Baldoni and the producer. To the movies.
The complaint alleges that Baldoni enlisted publicists and crisis managers in an “elaborate, well-organized and well-funded retaliation scheme” to “bury” and “destroy” Lively if she went public with her concerns.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are seen on the set of ‘It Ends with Us’ on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Baldoni’s legal team said the claims were “categorically false.”
Since the revelations, Lively has received an outpouring of support from her Hollywood friends, co-stars and celebrities.
Colleen Hoover, author of the book that inspired and shared the film’s title, shared a post on her Instagram Story this week, calling Lively “honest, kind, supportive and patient from the day we met.” “I did it,” he said.
“Thank you for being human. Never change it. “It never fades.”
Hoover later added, “Blake’s ability to refuse to sit down and to refuse to be ‘buried’ was simply moving.”
Lively’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Co-stars Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera released a joint statement in support of their friend, writing: “Destroy her reputation.”
“Throughout filming ends with us“We saw the courage she had in demanding a safe workplace for herself and her colleagues on set, and we were appalled to read evidence of a deliberate, vindictive effort to discredit her voice.”
“What’s most upsetting is the blatant exploitation of the stories of domestic violence survivors to silence women who are calling for their safety. “The hypocrisy is amazing,” the actors added. “We are shocked by the reality that a woman, as strong, famous and resourceful as our friend Blake, can still face strong retaliation for boldly demanding a safe work environment.”
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On Monday, Amber Heard shared her own relationship with what Lively reportedly experienced working with Baldoni in response to Baldoni hiring the same PR crisis manager as her ex-husband Johnny Depp.
“Social media is the perfect embodiment of the classic saying, ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before the truth begins.’ I have seen this up close and personal. It is as horrific as it is devastating,” Heard said in a statement to NBC News.
<라이블리>Directed by Paul Feig. a simple favorI wrote the following to X: “She really didn’t deserve the smear campaign against her. “I feel terrible that she had to go through this.”
Gwyneth Paltrow also showed a subtle message of support for the actress, plugging Lively’s haircare line on her Instagram Story and writing, “Added to my Christmas wish list,” adding a Queen emoji next to it.
Additional accusations against the Baldoni team
On Tuesday, Baldoni’s former publicist, Stephanie Jones, filed a lawsuit alleging that Lively was forced out of her position representing Baldoni and his film studio over concerns she would go public with her accusations, according to the New York Times.
In the lawsuit, Jones claims that her former employee, Jennifer Abel, was assigned to handle Baldoni’s public relations and that Abel hired crisis public relations expert Melissa Nathan to handle the new matter. end with us fluoride.
Jones and Abel are two publicists who Lively accuses of starting a smear campaign against her, and Jones says the pair’s goal is to “enrich themselves by taking on clients with Abel’s plan to leave Jones’ PR firm.” “It is to destroy,” he claims.
Jones’ lawsuit included text messages between Nathan and Abel. According to the New York Times, one of Nathan’s text messages to Abel reads: “i know. And after you leave, we will open an account together, make really good money and be happy.”
Major awards canceled
Baldoni suffered another major blow on Monday after the Women’s Solidarity Award presented to the actor earlier this month was cancelled.
Vital Voices, a global non-profit focused on women’s empowerment, awarded Baldoni an award, but announced this week that it would withdraw the award for his “abhorrent conduct” that was “contrary to the values” held by the organization. I did it.
Baldoni’s podcast co-host Liz Plank also announced Monday that she will no longer work for Baldoni. enough man podcast According to the charges.
“I wrote to you today to inform my agent (Badoni’s production company) Wayfarer that I will no longer be co-hosting The Man Enough podcast.”
She thanked fans “for entrusting me with your hearts and stories, for making space for me, and for making this show happen.”
Baldoni was subsequently dropped by talent agent WME. He disputed Lively’s claims, calling them “shameful” and “a desperate attempt to ‘correct’ the negative publicity she has garnered from her own comments and actions during the film’s campaign.”
Justin Baldoni attends the New York Premiere of ‘It Ends With Us’ at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 6, 2024 in New York City.
Cindy Odd/Getty Images
Details of Lively’s complaint
Lively’s complaint lists 30 demands that Baldoni and others said she agreed to after a tense sit-down over concerns about a hostile work environment.
Among them: Lively and others on set “no longer show nude videos or images of women” and no longer discuss pornography, sexual experiences, or genitals.
She also said Baldoni should not ask trainers about his weight without consent, should not pressure him about his religious beliefs and should not make any further comments about his late father.
An intimacy coordinator was also required to be on set whenever Lively shared a scene with Baldoni, and he was prohibited from entering her trailer or makeup trailer while Baldoni was undressing.
The demands also stated that “no more impromptu kissing scenes” or sex scenes would be added to the film beyond those included in the script that Lively approved when she signed on.
“I hope my legal action will help put a stop to these vicious retaliatory tactics that harm those who speak out about misconduct, and help protect others who may be targeted,” Lively said in a statement to the Times. He said. A spokesperson for Lively referred the Associated Press to the New York Times report, which said Lively denied planting or spreading negative information about Baldoni or the studio.
—With files from The Associated Press
