Blake Lively Takes Legal Action Against Co-star Justin Baldoni…

Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation, alleging a hostile work environment during the filming of ‘It Ends With Us’. Numerous collaborators have expressed their support for Lively, while Baldoni’s team denied the allegations, claiming a smear campaign. The situation has heightened discussions regarding workplace conduct in the industry.

As news breaks, the courts have become a bit of a celebrity playground, with Blake Lively throwing a legal spanner in the works for Justin Baldoni, her co-star in ‘It Ends With Us’. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. It seems that behind the scenes drama has overshadowed the film’s summer debut, and now it’s all gone legal.

Lively’s former colleagues have rallied around her, showing solidarity with the Gossip Girl alum, as she’s taking on Baldoni, who directs the movie as well. Americans take their support seriously; just ask America Ferrera, Paul Feig, and those “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” pals. They posted a heartfelt message on social media, supporting Lively in her fight against what they termed a “campaign” to tarnish her reputation. “As Blake’s friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity,” they wrote. Quite the friendship circle, eh?

The accusations made in the lawsuit paint a rather uncomfortable picture. Allegations range from improper set behaviour to more serious complaints, such as producers allegedly sharing nude videos and making comments on Lively’s weight. Now that’s a hornet’s nest! Notably, Lively claims Baldoni even asked her about her personal life—yikes—yet another layer of the already sticky situation.

And the plot thickens. Lively participated in a meeting regarding these harassment allegations in January before filming continued post-strike. The drama didn’t stop there. Reports state that cast and crew members raised concerns, resulting in a contract that set ground rules for behavior on set. Unsurprisingly, the fun didn’t last long once the press tour kicked off, as drama from behind the scenes found its way to the limelight.

The lawsuit contains some fiery words, asserting that Baldoni and his studio, Wayfarer, concocted a “sophisticated press and digital plan” aimed at discrediting Lively after she spoke out about her experiences on set. While the movie is based on a novel tackling serious issues like domestic violence, seems like the behind-the-scenes antics are overshadowing that entirely.

Lively’s pals in the industry haven’t backed down in their support. Feig, who previously directed Lively, praised her professional nature as “one of the most collaborative, talented and kind people” he worked with, stating she did not deserve to be thrown into this mess. Several others, including author Colleen Hoover, took to social media, showering Lively with praise for her honesty and kindness.

And it’s not just her film friends offering support. Amber Heard, fresh off her own legal drama with Johnny Depp—talk about a reunion—also chimed in. She remarked on the hazards of social media and how it can twist narratives, illuminating the ongoing challenge for public figures facing backlash. “A lie travels halfway around the world,” she remarked sagely, pointing out the rapid spread of misinformation.

As for Baldoni? Well, the mounting pressures seem to have forced him from his agency, WME. His lawyer has swung into action, dismissing Lively’s claims as baseless and crafted to damage Baldoni’s name. “These claims are completely false,” his attorney declared, calling the allegations outrageous and a desperate attempt to shift focus back into the limelight for Lively. It’s a tangled web we weave in Tinseltown, isn’t it?

So there it is, folks: Blake Lively stands tall amidst this swirling controversy, igniting support from all corners while she takes a stand against what she says was a hostile work environment. The fallout is still unfolding, and the industry’s eyes are glued—will it change the way set conduct is addressed from here on? Hold onto your popcorn!

In summary, Blake Lively is suing her ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star Justin Baldoni, citing sexual harassment and retaliation. Many of her former collaborators have voiced their support for her, asserting solidarity against the reported campaign to tarnish her reputation. The allegations detail uncomfortable conduct on set, with Lively asserting that her experiences led to a hostile work environment. As the lawsuit unfolds amidst widespread support, the focus remains on its implications for Hollywood’s approach to workplace safety.

Original Source: www.latimes.com