Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her It Ends with Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a campaign to destroy her reputation.
The 37-year-old actress claims Baldoni’s behaviour caused her “severe emotional distress” during the film’s production earlier this year.
The lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, alleges that conditions on set became so hostile that an urgent all-hands meeting was called, which was attended by Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds.
According to legal documents, Lively accuses Baldoni of fostering a toxic workplace environment, which included showing her nude videos and images of women whilst discussing his alleged pornography addiction.
The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, was released in August 2024 amidst rumours of behind-the-scenes discord between its stars.
During the emergency meeting, Lively outlined several demands to address Baldoni’s alleged inappropriate conduct.
Blake Lively played the lead in the Hollywood film
PA
These included requests for “no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake” and “no more mention of Baldoni’s alleged previous pornography addiction”.
The actress also demanded a halt to discussions about sexual conquests and comments about the cast and crew’s genitalia.
Further stipulations included stopping inquiries about her weight and mentions of her deceased father.
The lawsuit states that Lively specifically requested no additional sex scenes or “on camera climaxing” beyond what was in her originally approved script.
Justin Baldoni co-starred and directed It Ends With Us
GETTY
According to legal documents, whilst Sony Pictures approved these demands, Baldoni allegedly then orchestrated a “social manipulation” campaign to damage her reputation.
The suit includes text messages from Baldoni’s publicist to the studio stating he “wants to feel like [Ms. Lively] can be buried”.
Baldoni’s legal team has strongly denied all allegations through his lawyer, Bryan Freedman.
Freedman called the claims “false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt”.
The lawyer suggested Lively’s lawsuit was an attempt to “fix her negative reputation” following the film’s release.
Freedman countered with allegations about Lively’s own conduct during production, claiming she was difficult to work with on set.
According to Baldoni’s team, the actress repeatedly threatened to not show up for filming.
They also allege she threatened to withhold participation in the film’s promotional activities.
These actions, Freedman claims, ultimately led to “its demise during release”.
Wayfarer Studios reportedly hired a crisis manager before the film’s marketing campaign in response to what they describe as Lively’s “persistent demands and threats during production”.
Blake Lively first gained recognition for her role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants before achieving widespread fame as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl.
The actress has since starred in numerous films including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, and A Simple Favor.
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It Ends with Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, follows the story of Lily Bloom, played by Lively, who falls in love with Baldoni’s character Ryle.
The film was released in August 2024 and made history when it topped the box office alongside Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine.
The couple became the first married Hollywood pair to have two separate films occupy the top two box office spots since Bruce Willis and Demi Moore in 1990.
Baldoni, 40, is known for his role in Jane the Virgin and has recently moved into directing.