As Blake Lively sues ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star Justin Baldoni, collaborators take her side

As Blake Lively sues 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni, collaborators take her side

As a long-time observer of Hollywood’s intricate web, I find myself deeply saddened by the recent turn of events involving Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ joint box office battle, overshadowed by the allegations against Blake’s co-star, Ryan Reynolds’ brother-in-law, Ryan Reynolds.

I’ve found myself joining forces with several of Blake Lively’s past colleagues and associates, as we stand by her side in her legal battle against “It Ends With Us” actor and director, Justin Baldoni.

In a lawsuit filed on Friday, Amber Lively accused John Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation, and numerous other offenses. This legal action comes several months after speculation about a backstage argument between the two “It Ends With Us” co-stars cast a shadow over the film’s summer premiere. Following the weekend release of Lively’s accusations, her previous colleagues such as America Ferrera and director Paul Feig have publicly expressed their support for her.

Over the past twenty years, we, Blake’s friends and family, stand united with her in support as she bravely confronts the alleged smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation. This is the statement released by Blake’s “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” co-stars, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel on their joint social media platforms.

I wholeheartedly applaud Blake Lively for her bravery in advocating for a secure working environment on set, and I stand by her as she brings forth the claims outlined in her lawsuit. This legal action, which includes Wayfarer Studios, led by Baldoni, and certain producers among its defendants, is a necessary step towards fostering safety and respect within our industry. Notably, Wayfarer Studios is also associated with “It Ends With Us,” a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel about a woman battling domestic violence and emotional abuse. This story, like Lively’s courage, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against such injustices.

As Blake Lively sues 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni, collaborators take her side

California

Blake Lively alleges that Justin Baldoni subjected her to sexual harassment and attempted to tarnish her reputation following her disclosure of a ‘toxic work atmosphere’ that almost sabotaged the production.

Lively claimed that she encountered inappropriate conduct on set, such as producers reportedly displaying explicit videos and photographs of women, making comments regarding her body weight, unwanted physical contact, and lewd remarks. The complaint further explains several scenes, including a birth scene, where Lively felt uneasy. Additionally, Baldoni is accused of inquiring about Lively’s private life with her husband, “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds.

In January, Lively attended a discussion about sexual harassment claims before filming resumed following the Hollywood strikes, as stated in the complaint. Other cast and crew members also voiced worries about the work environment. Eventually, the cast consented to abide by a contract that outlined safeguards against sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct, allowing them to complete the film. However, a series of conflicts during the press tour, stemming from tension behind-the-scenes, soon followed.

Mr. Baldoni and his colleagues responded to Ms. Lively’s public allegations of misconduct on set by initiating a complex media and digital strategy. This move aimed not only to counter her legally-permitted statements, but also to create an atmosphere of intimidation, discouraging others from sharing similar experiences in public.

As Blake Lively sues 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni, collaborators take her side

Hollywood Inc.

This past weekend, actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds found themselves in a box-office competition as their respective films, ‘The It Ends With Us’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ went head to head.

The team behind “Traveling Pants” by Lively alleged that the defendants intentionally and maliciously attempted to undermine her credibility, and they strongly condemned the use of stories about domestic violence survivors as a means to suppress a woman’s call for protection.

In a nod to Feig, the director behind “A Simple Favor,” Blake Lively was hailed as one of the most dedicated, imaginative, cooperative, gifted, and amiable individuals he’s ever had the pleasure of collaborating with.

In response to the accusations made against her, he posted on Twitter on Sunday, expressing his sentiment that “she certainly didn’t warrant this slanderous attack against her. I find it deplorable that she had to endure such ordeal.

I’ve been genuinely impressed by Tom’s sincerity, kindness, support, and patience on Instagram, as he’s consistently demonstrated these qualities ever since we first connected. I can’t help but admire him even more for being exactly the person he is – authentic and unwavering. Keep shining, Tom! Your spirit never ceases to inspire me.

As Blake Lively sues 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni, collaborators take her side

Music

Lizzo shares with Keke Palmer that she was taken aback by the sexual harassment allegations made against her, offering an alternate account of an incident at a burlesque club where inappropriate behavior was claimed to have occurred.

People who’ve collaborated with Lively, as well as others, are standing up for her. In response to the Lively-Baldoni lawsuit, Amber Heard, famously known for her role in “Aquaman,” shared her thoughts with NBC News. Two years ago, Heard and Johnny Depp were embroiled in one of the most prominent defamation cases in Hollywood, which received significant media attention. During this legal dispute, Depp sought assistance from public relations expert Melissa Nathan. As a result, it appeared that Heard’s popularity waned.

Baldoni reportedly hired Nathan amid the “It Ends With Us” scandal in the summer.

In essence, social media mirrors the old adage ‘Falsehood spreads faster than truth,’ which I’ve witnessed personally. It’s both shocking and devastating to see how quickly misinformation can circulate.

Following some legal complications, it’s said that talent agency WME has parted ways with actor Baldoni. Notably, this agency still represents actress Lively. In response, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, rejected the accusations against his client, labeling the complaint as a “desperate ploy” by Lively aimed at improving her “tarnished reputation.

Freedman stated that these allegations are entirely fabricated, excessively sensational, and deliberately malicious, aimed at causing harm and perpetuating a negative story in the press.

Read More

2024-12-23 23:31

Previous post Harvey Fierstein reveals how he used weight loss drug to shed 120 pounds: ‘I don’t feel like I’m dieting’
Next post Love Island star announces their engagement with sweet snaps of surprise proposal and HUGE diamond ring – four years after villa stint