Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Creating ‘Hostile Environment’ on ‘It Ends With Us’ Set
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The actress’s legal team is fighting back against a motion for summary judgment, alleging a deliberate campaign to discredit her after she reported alleged harassment.
A fierce legal battle continues between Blake Lively and “It Ends With Us” director Justin Baldoni, with Lively’s attorneys arguing Baldoni is attempting to “avoid accountability” for a “hostile environment” created during the production and promotion of the 2024 box office hit. The dispute centers around allegations of sexual harassment and a subsequent social media smear campaign targeting Lively.
Lively’s Claims of a Hostile Work Environment
In a recent filing, Lively’s legal team asserts that Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios, are attempting to “deny Blake Lively her day in court” and are “throwing the kitchen sink at Lively’s sexual harassment and retaliation claims.” According to the heavily redacted document, the defendants “created a hostile environment” and, when presented with complaints, “abandoned Wayfarer’s policies by refusing to investigate the concerns.”
The filing further alleges that Baldoni and the company responded to Lively’s concerns by launching an attack, claiming she was a “bully” who “fabricated” complaints in an attempt to “take over the movie.” Lively’s lawyers pointed to the irony that, despite these claims, the film ultimately exceeded expectations at the box office, grossing $351 million on a $25 million budget.
A Year-Long Legal Battle
The legal conflict has been ongoing for nearly a year. Lively initially sued Baldoni, along with the film’s producers and publicists, alleging she was the target of a coordinated effort to damage her reputation. This allegedly involved Instagram commenters labeling her a “bully” and a “mean girl” following her complaints about Baldoni’s alleged misconduct.
Previously, Baldoni and his associates filed a defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, but the claim was dismissed by the court on the grounds that one cannot sue someone for filing a lawsuit against them.
Baldoni’s Defense and Lively’s Rebuttal
In a motion for summary judgment filed last month, Baldoni’s legal team characterized Lively’s allegations as a “litany of minor grievances” and argued they did not constitute an “adverse employment action” necessary to prove retaliation. They also defended the actions of Baldoni’s public relations team, stating they were simply working to protect his reputation. “Baldoni sought the advice of a crisis-management public relations firm, as any responsible person in his position would do,” his lawyers argued.
Lively’s lawyers vehemently countered this claim, asserting that Baldoni’s representatives “purposely, repeatedly, surreptitiously, and directly, attacked Lively’s character and reputation.”
Trial Possible in March
If Baldoni’s motion for summary judgment is unsuccessful, a trial is currently scheduled to take place in March. A spokesperson for Baldoni has not yet responded to requests for comment. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent regarding workplace conduct and the responsibilities of studios and filmmakers in addressing allegations of harassment.
