Blake Lively Accuses Co-Star Justin Baldoni of Harassment and Smear Campaign

In a serious legal dispute, Blake Lively claims co-star Justin Baldoni engaged in sexual harassment and orchestrated a campaign to harm her public image following a contentious meeting regarding on-set behavior. Baldoni's team denies the allegations, labeling them as false and retaliatory in nature.

Blake Lively has initiated legal action against her co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and claims of a calculated effort to undermine her reputation. The accusations arise from a dramatic meeting held on January 4, where Lively, with the support of her husband Ryan Reynolds, confronted Baldoni and a producer about what she describes as "repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior."

In the filing, Lively contends that Baldoni’s team retaliated against her after she brought attention to an allegedly hostile work environment, asserting that both Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios chief executive Jamey Heath engaged in inappropriate conduct toward her and others involved in the production of the film "It Ends With Us."

Lively, 37, raised a list of 30 demands during that meeting, including stipulations regarding their personal histories, behavior on set, and controlling the script’s content, particularly concerning explicit material. The legal complaint further alleges that Baldoni is part of a broader "multi-tiered plan" to malign Lively and retaliate against her for speaking out.

Baldoni's legal team vehemently denied the claims, calling them "categorically false" and suggesting that Lively's actions could sabotage the film's release if her demands were not met. They maintain that Lively's threats to withdraw from promotion are a manipulation tactic to gain leverage.

In her defense, Lively contends that her legal measures aim to expose the "sinister retaliatory tactics" that silence those who voice concerns about workplace misconduct and protect others in similar situations.

Since its release, "It Ends With Us" has faced scrutiny regarding its portrayal of domestic violence, which was inspired by the best-selling novel it’s based on, written by Colleen Hoover. Despite its popularity, some criticism has been directed at the film for its romanticization of abuse.

As the situation continues to unfold, the involvement of social media and public speculation has fed into the narrative, especially following the absence of Lively and Baldoni on the red carpet, further stoking rumors of discord between the two. The film has become a focal point for discussions around domestic abuse, emphasizing the complex narratives of victim-survivors.

Amidst this contentious backdrop, Lively has expressed hope that her legal actions will not only clarify her experiences but also pave the way for greater awareness and protection for those affected by misconduct in the industry.