Blake Lively has filed a formal complaint accusing her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and misconduct on set. According to a report first obtained by Variety, the actress alleges that Baldoni and other representatives of Wayfarer Studios created a hostile work environment that caused her and her family “severe emotional harm.”
In response, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, dismissed the claims as “categorically false,” calling the complaint a “shameful attempt” to tarnish Baldoni’s reputation.
Allegations of Misconduct
The complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department, details a series of alleged incidents. Lively claims Baldoni made inappropriate comments about her weight to her trainer, asked intrusive questions about her religious beliefs, and made unprofessional remarks about his sex life. Additionally, she alleges that producer Jamey Heath, CEO of Wayfarer Studios, shared a personal video of his wife naked during childbirth.
Lively further claims both Baldoni and Heath entered her makeup trailer without permission, including when she was breastfeeding her child. The actress states she raised these concerns not only for herself but also for other female cast and crew members who had voiced similar experiences.
Dispute Over On-Set Demands
Lively reportedly requested that no additional sex scenes be added to the film’s script without her prior approval. While Sony Pictures allegedly agreed to these terms, Lively accuses Baldoni of launching a retaliatory campaign to damage her reputation.
Text messages and emails included in the complaint suggest Baldoni and his team orchestrated a “digital army” to shape public perception in his favor. The strategy involved subcontractors promoting content on social media and forums to discredit Lively and intimidate others from speaking out.
Wayfarer Studios Responds
Freedman’s statement claims Lively’s accusations stem from her own behavior during production. He alleges that Lively made repeated threats to withdraw from the film and its promotion, leading Wayfarer Studios to hire a crisis management team.
“These claims are completely false and outrageous,” Freedman stated. He added that Wayfarer Studios took no proactive measures against Lively but instead responded to media inquiries to ensure accurate reporting. Freedman accused Lively of planting fabricated stories in the media through her PR representatives.
On-Set Tensions and Fallout
Rumors of tension between Lively and Baldoni surfaced during the film’s press tour, as the two avoided joint appearances. Despite the controversy, It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, became a box office success, grossing $350 million globally. However, industry sources suggest a sequel adaptation, It Starts With Us, is unlikely due to the fractured relationship between the leads.
Lively’s Statement
A spokesperson for Lively shared her hope that the legal action would expose retaliatory tactics and protect others in similar situations. “This is about pulling back the curtain on the sinister ways individuals in power try to silence those who speak out,” Lively said in a statement to The New York Times.
Next Steps
As the legal battle unfolds, both parties remain steadfast in their claims. While Baldoni’s team continues to deny any wrongdoing, Lively’s complaint alleges a coordinated effort to undermine her credibility and suppress allegations of misconduct.
This high-profile case adds another layer to ongoing discussions about accountability and safety in the entertainment industry.
