In a significant turn of events, Blake Lively has taken legal action against her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, for alleged misconduct during the production of "It Ends with Us." According to an insider close to the actress, Lively has been meticulously preparing this complaint for months, which has caused immense stress and emotional turmoil. The complaint details various inappropriate actions by Baldoni, including showing explicit content and attempting to add unauthorized intimacy scenes to the film. Despite agreeing to safeguards and protections, Baldoni allegedly initiated a retaliatory smear campaign against Lively, further exacerbating the situation. This case highlights the challenges faced by those who speak out against workplace harassment.
The Road to Legal Action: Months of Preparation and Emotional Turmoil
Lively's decision to pursue legal action did not happen overnight. For months, she and her team have been diligently working on this complaint, navigating through a complex and emotionally draining process. The insider reveals that this experience has been incredibly stressful for Lively, as she has never encountered such adversity before. The complaint outlines several instances of misconduct by Baldoni, including showing her explicit images and videos, inquiring about her personal sex life, and attempting to add intimacy scenes that were not originally agreed upon. These actions created a hostile work environment that nearly derailed the entire production.
To address these issues, a meeting was held involving various producers and Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds. Several demands were made to ensure Lively's safety and comfort on set, such as implementing a full-time intimacy coordinator, prohibiting the display of explicit content, and ceasing discussions about personal experiences with sex. Additionally, Baldoni was instructed not to inquire about Lively's weight without her consent or mention her deceased father. Despite agreeing to these terms, Baldoni allegedly hired crisis publicists to initiate a smear campaign against Lively, aiming to damage her reputation and credibility. This retaliatory tactic has only added to Lively's emotional burden, causing grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety.
Support and Backlash: The Public Response
As Lively navigates this challenging legal battle, she has received unwavering support from her family and close friends. Her sister Robyn Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and several prominent figures in the entertainment industry have come forward to stand by her side. Notable supporters include Colleen Hoover, Paul Feig, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, Amy Schumer, and Amber Heard. Their solidarity underscores the importance of standing up against workplace harassment and protecting those who speak out.
However, the backlash has been equally intense. Despite the detailed revelations in Lively's complaint, many people, particularly women, have left harsh comments on social media, criticizing her actions. This negative response has been disheartening for Lively and her supporters. Bart Johnson, Robyn Lively's husband, highlighted the timing of the complaints, stating that they were filed during filming and long before the public conflict. He also pointed out the effectiveness of Baldoni's PR team in managing the narrative, describing their tactics as "gross and disgusting" but highly effective. As the case unfolds, it remains crucial to focus on the broader implications of workplace misconduct and the importance of supporting victims who come forward.