Actress Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, director of the film "It Ends With Us," and several other individuals, alleging harassment and a coordinated effort to damage her reputation after she spoke out about her experiences on set. The legal action comes shortly after Baldoni and other defendants initiated a libel suit against The New York Times, accusing the publication and Lively of orchestrating a smear campaign.
This legal battle marks a significant escalation in a dispute stemming from the surprise hit film, sparking industry-wide discussions about the treatment of female actors both on set and in the media. Lively’s suit claims Baldoni, along with Wayfarer Studios and others, engaged in a "retaliatory scheme" to silence her and other victims.
Lively's lawsuit details a “multi-tiered plan" allegedly implemented by Baldoni and the studio to undermine her credibility following a meeting where she and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, raised concerns about “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior” by Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath. This plan reportedly included planting negative theories online and orchestrating critical media stories about Lively.
The suit further alleges specific instances of misconduct, including comments by Baldoni about the bodies of Lively and other women on set. It also details instances where Baldoni and Heath purportedly “discussed their personal sexual experiences and previous porn addiction, and tried to pressure Ms Lively to reveal details about her intimate life.”
In response, Baldoni's attorney has previously called these allegations "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious." Conversely, the recent libel lawsuit filed by Baldoni seeks damages of at least $250 million from The New York Times.
The New York Times stands by its reporting, stating the story was "meticulously and responsibly reported," based on extensive original documents. The publication also said that Baldoni has not pointed out a single error in the reporting. In opposition, Baldoni's legal team asserts that The Times overlooked evidence contradicting Lively's claims.
Lively's lawyers responded by saying that the libel lawsuit does not alter her claims of mistreatment advanced in both her California Civil Rights Department complaint and her federal complaint. The ongoing legal clash continues to draw attention to the dynamics of power and accountability within the entertainment industry.
“It Ends With Us,” which was released in August, had a strong box office debut, amid speculation of tension between Lively and Baldoni. The film’s release was also followed by Baldoni’s dismissal from his talent agency, which also represents Lively and Reynolds.
