Blake Lively Sues Co-star Justin Baldoni, Alleging Sexual Harassment.

Actress Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and the orchestration of a retaliatory smear campaign. Lively’s complaint, filed in December of 2024, details instances of unwanted physical advances and inappropriate comments during the film’s production, contributing to a hostile work environment

Justin Baldoni left, Blake Lively right | Image: CBS Mornings Screen grab, Getty Images

Lively’s legal action prompted a swift response from Baldoni. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, labeled the allegations as “false and destructive,” asserting that they are part of a calculated attempt to tarnish Baldoni’s reputation. Freedman further indicated plans to release evidence purportedly demonstrating a “pattern of bullying” by Lively, suggesting that she sought to dominate the film’s creative direction.

The dispute escalated when Baldoni filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the publication of misrepresenting communications between him and Lively in their coverage of the allegations. Baldoni’s legal team contends that the newspaper’s reporting was biased, aiming to bolster Lively’s claims without sufficient verification.

In the wake of these events, industry reactions have been significant. WME, the talent agency representing Baldoni, severed ties with him, citing the gravity of the allegations. Additionally, several of Lively’s peers, including her co-stars from “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” publicly expressed support for her, emphasizing the importance of addressing misconduct in the entertainment industry.

Justin and Blake during a "It Ends With Us" scene. | Image: It Ends With Us Screen grab.

As the legal battle unfolds, both parties are preparing to present their cases in court. Lively’s team maintains that her allegations are substantiated by concrete evidence, while Baldoni’s representatives are poised to counter with documentation they claim will exonerate him. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the broader discourse on workplace conduct in Hollywood.

This case underscores the complexities involved when allegations of misconduct emerge within professional settings, particularly in high-profile industries. The forthcoming legal proceedings are expected to shed further light on the veracity of the claims and the defenses presented, contributing to the ongoing conversation about accountability and ethical behavior in the workplace.