Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Sexual Harassment and Retaliation on Set

Blake Lively, a prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in films such as The Age of Adaline and A Simple Favor, has recently filed a legal complaint against her It Ends with Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The allegations, which have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, outline a series of troubling behaviors on Baldoni’s part, including sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign.

The complaint, submitted to the California Civil Rights Department, details several incidents that allegedly took place during the filming of the romantic drama based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. According to Lively, Baldoni made unwanted physical advances, including improvising an unscripted kiss during filming without her consent. She also claims that he made inappropriate sexual comments, openly discussed his personal sexual experiences on set, and entered her makeup trailer without permission while she was undressed.

Lively’s allegations extend beyond personal misconduct to describe a broader toxic atmosphere on the set of It Ends with Us. She accuses Baldoni of fostering a hostile work environment and alleges that his behavior created significant emotional distress for her and other crew members. In a particularly disturbing claim, Lively states that after she raised concerns about these issues, Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, launched a coordinated effort to damage her reputation. This alleged campaign included planting negative stories in the media, amplifying online criticism, and manipulating social media narratives to discredit her.

The response from Baldoni’s camp has been swift and combative. His lawyer has categorically denied the allegations, labeling them as “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” In a statement, Baldoni’s legal team described Lively’s claims as an attempt to publicly harm his reputation and insisted that the actor-director has always maintained professionalism on set.

The case has sparked widespread discussion in the entertainment industry, with several celebrities stepping forward to support Lively. Her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars—Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Alexis Bledel—issued a joint statement expressing their solidarity with Lively and commending her courage in coming forward. Author Colleen Hoover, whose novel serves as the basis for the film, has also shown public support for the actress. Additionally, Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, actor Bart Johnson, has taken to social media to defend her and criticize Baldoni’s alleged actions and PR tactics.

The allegations have not only highlighted issues of workplace harassment but have also reignited conversations about power dynamics in Hollywood. Advocates for workplace safety and gender equality have pointed to this case as another reminder of the systemic issues that persist in the film industry.

As the legal battle unfolds, the stakes remain high for both parties. Lively’s lawsuit seeks not only to hold Baldoni accountable for his alleged actions but also to bring attention to the broader cultural issues within the industry. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s team is working to counter the narrative and protect his reputation. The outcome of this case could have significant implications, not just for those directly involved but for the industry at large, as it continues to grapple with creating a safer and more equitable working environment for all.