It Ends with Us author, Hollywood stars rally around Blake Lively as she sues Justin Baldoni
Lively has filed a legal complaint for damages against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios.
A host of Hollywood stars and the author of the novel It Ends with Us have come out in support of the star of that novel's film adaptation, Blake Lively, after it was revealed she is suing her co-star and director Justin Baldoni, who denies liability.
In a legal complaint for damages, which precedes a lawsuit, filed by Lively, she accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, and stated that there was a meeting attended by herself, her husband Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni and their lawyers, to address Lively's complaints during filming of the movie.
Lively's requirements in order to return to filming included "no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldoni’s alleged previous 'pornography addiction', [and] no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others".
The legal document, shared by The New York Times, specified there should be "no further mentions of cast and crew’s genitalia, no more inquiries about Blake’s weight, and no further mention of Blake’s dead father".
It also accuses Baldoni, and the studio behind the film, Wayfarer Studios, of embarking on a "multi-tiered plan" to damage Lively’s reputation.
Attorney Bryan Freedman, who is representing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, told The New York Times that the claims were "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious".
Since news of the lawsuit broke, the author of It Ends with Us, Colleen Hoover, posted in support of Lively in an Instagram story, writing: "@blakelively you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt."
Meanwhile, a group of Lively's former co-stars, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel, who appeared alongside her in the 2005 film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, released a joint statement in support of her.
As was reported by Variety, the statement says: "As Blake’s friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation.
"Throughout the filming of It Ends with Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.
"Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety.
"The hypocrisy is astounding. We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment.
"We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others. For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times."
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
