Blake Lively has openly criticized Justin Baldoni for releasing previously unseen footage that reveals what she claims is the ‘truth’ about their working relationship.
The two actors were co-stars in the film “It Ends With Us,” which was released this past summer. However, gossip about potential discord on set began circulating when many noticed their lack of joint promotional appearances.
The movie, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel published in 2016, premiered in August. Although a successful release, the buzz about their interactions (or lack thereof) caught the attention of fans and media alike.
A new 10-minute video, now in public circulation courtesy of Baldoni’s legal team, shows the co-stars interacting flirtatiously on set. Lively’s legal team has expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Justin Baldoni and his lawyer are hoping this maneuver will distract from the damaging evidence against him, yet this footage condemns rather than clears him.”
In Lively’s view, the contentious footage supports her claims of sexual harassment on set.
The video purportedly shows Mr. Baldoni leaning towards Ms. Lively repeatedly, attempting to kiss her, and otherwise behaving in a manner that exceeds professional boundaries without prior discussion or consent.
During the filming, Mr. Baldoni directed and acted, further complicating boundaries as Ms. Lively’s co-star, director, studio head, and executive director.
Lively seemed to resist these interactions, reportedly asking her co-star to keep their characters’ exchanges limited to conversation instead of physical intimacy.
According to her legal team, any woman who has felt uncomfortable due to unwanted physical advances at work will relate to Ms. Lively’s obvious discomfort and attempts to handle the situation with levity.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s legal representative, Bryan Freedman, defended the actor by releasing the video, which depicts the duo slow dancing in a bar, a critical scene aiming to articulate the romantic tension between their characters.
Freedman described the scene as being inside professional boundaries, showing both actors performing intimately and respectfully.
Nonetheless, the footage features each expressing affection for their real-life partners, Ryan Reynolds and Emily Baldoni, while staying in character.
While executing the scene, Baldoni, embodying his character Ryle, kissed Lively’s neck, to which Lively suggested it might be more romantic for the characters just to talk. Portraying the scene with some lightness, Lively commented feeling intrusive, to which Baldoni jokingly acknowledged his prominent nose.
Despite these explanations, Lively has made further allegations, resulting in a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of initiating a smear campaign and causing significant emotional distress to her family.
@extra_tv Justin Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman has released unrevised footage, illuminating Lively and Baldoni’s interactions from the set of “It Ends with Us.” This footage, dated May 23, 2023, captures part of a slow dance montage implicated in Lively’s legal actions. The video showcases multiple takes and is purported to nullify Lively’s assertions of Baldoni’s misbehavior. Examine the full documentation on our YouTube channel. #justinbaldoni #blakelively #itendswithus
Lively’s lawsuit allegations extend to describing Baldoni’s behaviors as relentless and manipulative, dramatically impacting her mental well-being.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s advocate argues that the allegations were fraught with inaccuracies and misinformation, pointing to text message exchanges that offer a different perspective on Lively’s claims.
One prominent accusation involves Baldoni’s less-than-professional conduct, such as viewing explicit content or making unprofessional remarks around or to Ms. Lively.
Sony studios, according to Lively, consented to alter specific scenes at her request, yet further scenes remained disputed.
The lawsuit describes a tense environment initiated by Baldoni, notable for calling for the addition of disconcerting scenes not found in the original book.
This long-standing disagreement implies Lively’s discomfort with the addition of such content, with Baldoni insisting these scenes brought authenticity through a female lens.
The depiction of sensitive content ultimately adjusted in the script for the portrayal of characters Lily and Ryle (Lively and Baldoni) highlighted potential ethical violations.
Insinuations about Lively and her family’s personal life, presented by Baldoni during intimate questioning, exacerbate the distress detailed in Lively’s statements.
As Lively’s legal battle progresses, she emphasizes a broader vision, hoping to protect individuals from being maligned when confronting wrongdoing.
Baldoni, facing multiple allegations, has turned to court to counter these claims, aligning himself with other plaintiffs alleging defamation and privacy violations against a major news outlet.
Textual evidence from Lively suggests informal invitations leading up to evolving situations, including Baldoni’s visit during delicate moments like breastfeeding.
Baldoni maintains a stance of innocence, claiming such actions were consensual and mutually understood.
Ultimately, this story unfolds at the intersection of complex legal and personal narratives, suggesting a need for integrity and clarity.
