Blake Lively has claimed that her missed opportunity to host the milestone 50th season opener of Saturday Night Live was the result of a damaging smear campaign led by her It Ends with Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
According to a bombshell complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, Lively detailed how her professional life took a major hit after alleged incidents of harassment on the set of the upcoming film.
Missed Career Opportunities Amid Allegations
“The effects on Ms. Lively’s professional life were immediate and substantial,” the filing stated. Among the losses, Lively named her scheduled hosting gig for the SNL Season 50 premiere as a key casualty.
The complaint revealed that Lively canceled the coveted SNL role due to the ongoing fallout from Baldoni’s alleged actions. “Given the ongoing nature of the campaign and the associated negative public sentiment, Ms. Lively did not believe she could proceed with public appearances or events without being forced to openly discuss what happened on set,” it read.
In addition to SNL, Lively also pulled out of a high-profile Target corporate event tied to her hair care brand.
Allegations Against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios
Lively’s filing detailed a contentious January 2024 meeting where Baldoni allegedly made inappropriate remarks about her weight, discussed his personal life in explicit terms, and forced her to disclose her religious beliefs.
In a shocking addition, Jamey Heath, producer of It Ends with Us and CEO of Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios, reportedly showed Lively a video of his wife giving birth—an incident included in the complaint as evidence of unprofessional behavior on set.
Screenshots of texts and emails between Lively, Baldoni, and his team were also submitted as evidence. These messages allegedly outlined a coordinated plan to tarnish Lively’s reputation should any behind-the-scenes issues from It Ends with Us become public.
The Fallout
Lively’s absence from SNL’s landmark 50th season premiere marks a significant moment for the Hollywood star, who has maintained a reputation as a celebrated actor and public figure. While Lively has yet to comment publicly on the details of the case, her filing underscores the serious challenges she has faced in the wake of these allegations.
As the entertainment industry closely follows this developing story, the impact on both It Ends with Us and the professional relationships of its key players remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing story and other entertainment news at Project Casting.
