In a recent development, renowned actress Blake Lively has taken legal action against director Justin Baldoni and several key figures involved in the production of "It Ends with Us." The complaint, filed by Lively, accuses Baldoni and others of inappropriate behavior on set, including sexual harassment and a subsequent smear campaign aimed at tarnishing her reputation. The allegations span from unprofessional conduct during filming to invasive personal questions and unsolicited physical contact.
The lawsuit also highlights a series of troubling incidents that occurred both before and during the production of the film. Lively claims that changes were made to the script without her consent, leading to scenes she found objectionable. Furthermore, the complaint details instances where Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath allegedly shared personal sexual experiences and pressured Lively into uncomfortable situations. The case has sparked significant attention, raising concerns about workplace safety and professionalism in the entertainment industry.
Unprofessional Conduct and Script Changes
Lively's lawsuit reveals a pattern of unprofessional behavior attributed to Baldoni and other producers. According to the complaint, the director inserted explicit content into the script after Lively had signed on, leading to scenes she found deeply unsettling. Despite objections, Baldoni insisted these additions were necessary for the film's portrayal of the female perspective. This led to tense negotiations and eventually the removal of some controversial scenes.
The complaint further elaborates on the nature of these changes. For instance, Baldoni allegedly added scenes involving graphic sexual content and nudity, including one where Lively was expected to portray an orgasm on camera. Additionally, he improvised intimate scenes without prior discussion or rehearsal, making Lively feel exposed and uncomfortable. These actions not only violated professional boundaries but also created a hostile work environment. Lively's discomfort escalated when Baldoni intrusively asked about her personal life, including her sexual habits with her husband, which she found highly inappropriate and invasive.
Allegations of Smear Campaign and Retaliation
Beyond the on-set misconduct, Lively's lawsuit alleges that Baldoni and his team initiated a smear campaign to damage her reputation. As the film's premiere approached, fears arose that Lively might reveal her negative experiences publicly. In response, Baldoni allegedly enlisted a team to protect his image and undermine Lively's credibility. Private communications included in the complaint suggest a concerted effort to suppress any negative information about Baldoni while amplifying content that portrayed him favorably.
These tactics involved strategic planning and execution to ensure Lively's voice remained marginalized. Texts between public relations executives and crisis management experts indicate a desire to "bury" Lively's potential revelations. The team worked diligently to counteract any reports of misconduct, celebrating their successes in controlling the narrative. Baldoni's lawyer has denied these allegations, stating that the actions taken were standard public relations practices and not retaliatory measures. Nevertheless, Lively hopes her legal action will shed light on the broader issue of retaliation against individuals who speak out against misconduct in the industry.