The tension between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken center stage, both in courtrooms and the public eye. What began as behind-the-scenes friction on the set of It Ends with Us has spiraled into a highly publicized legal feud, with allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and manipulation dominating the headlines.
Lively’s Allegations
On December 20, Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, who served as both her co-star and director on the 2024 hit adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel. In her complaint, Lively described incidents where Baldoni engaged in “disturbing” and “unprofessional” behavior. One specific scene, labeled as a “slow dance scene,” saw Baldoni allegedly lean in, drag his lips along her neck, and comment, “It smells so good.”
According to Lively, the behavior left her experiencing “grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety.” Attempts to object were reportedly met with dismissive remarks, including Baldoni claiming he wasn’t attracted to her.
Baldoni’s Countermeasures
Baldoni has denied the accusations, countering Lively’s complaint with legal action of his own. He sued The New York Times for libel over their reporting on the matter and later filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, accusing them of defamation and extortion.
As part of his defense, Baldoni’s legal team released behind-the-scenes footage showing the two actors joking about his nose and her spray tan during a dialogue-free scene. The video, obtained by TMZ, was intended to undermine Lively’s claims but has only fueled further controversy.
What the Video Shows
Lively’s legal team asserts that the footage supports her allegations. According to their statement, the video depicts Baldoni improvising actions such as leaning in to kiss Lively’s forehead, rubbing his face against her neck, and commenting on how she smells—all without prior discussion or the presence of an intimacy coordinator.
“Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort,” her attorneys said, pointing to her visible unease and attempts to deflect the unwanted touching.
Ongoing Fallout
Baldoni’s legal team maintains his innocence, framing the video release as an effort to provide transparency. They announced plans to launch a website containing additional correspondence and footage they claim will “quash” Lively’s accusations.
Meanwhile, Lively’s team condemned the footage release as a “manipulative media stunt” and emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice in court. They argue that Baldoni’s behavior not only violated professional boundaries but also exploited his position as her co-star, director, and employer.
What’s Next?
The case continues to unfold, with both parties entrenched in their respective narratives. Public opinion is divided, and legal experts predict a prolonged battle. As allegations and counterclaims pile up, the story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding workplace conduct in the entertainment industry.
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