Blake Lively has alleged that her It Ends with Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni played a significant role in derailing her career opportunities, including her scheduled appearance as host for the Saturday Night Live Season 50 premiere.
In a complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, Lively accused Baldoni of engaging in a smear campaign that forced her to step back from several high-profile engagements. Among these was her much-anticipated gig as host for the landmark 50th-anniversary season opener of SNL in September 2024.
“The effects on Ms. Lively’s professional life were immediate and substantial,” the legal filing stated. It detailed how the alleged campaign created such intense public scrutiny that Lively felt unable to attend public events without addressing the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
The fallout extended beyond SNL, with Lively reportedly canceling a key appearance at a Target corporate event for her haircare brand, among other commitments.
Accusations Against Baldoni
The court documents reveal a heated meeting in January 2024, following the conclusion of Hollywood’s dual labor strikes, during which Lively and Baldoni discussed her potential return to the It Ends with Us set. In the meeting, Baldoni allegedly made inappropriate comments about Lively’s weight, his personal life, and her religious beliefs.
One of the more shocking allegations includes Lively claiming that Jamey Heath, producer on It Ends with Us and CEO of Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios, showed her a video of his wife giving birth, an act Lively described as deeply invasive and inappropriate.
Claims of Threats and Harassment
The filing also includes screenshots of text messages and emails exchanged between Lively, Baldoni, and his team. According to the complaint, these communications suggest a coordinated effort to tarnish Lively’s reputation if their professional disputes became public knowledge.
“For example, Ms. Lively canceled a critical Target corporate event for her hair care company, and she backed out of her scheduled role to host the premiere episode of the 50th anniversary season of Saturday Night Live in September 2024,” the complaint read.
A Fallout Felt Across the Industry
Lively’s allegations not only cast a shadow over Baldoni but also raise concerns about the working environment on the set of It Ends with Us, which had already garnered significant attention as an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The ongoing legal battle could have far-reaching implications for both stars’ careers and for the film’s future.
As this story develops, it highlights the increasing importance of addressing workplace behavior in Hollywood and ensuring accountability in the entertainment industry.
Stay tuned to Project Casting for updates on this story and other industry news.
