Hollywood star Blake Lively, 37, could soon face a courtroom showdown with her It Ends with Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, 40, after filing a sexual harassment complaint against him earlier this week.
The Allegations
Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the film’s production and claimed he later led a “retaliatory smear campaign” to damage her reputation.
The lawsuit includes other production team members allegedly involved in the campaign.
Lively is seeking unspecified damages and hopes her legal action will expose misconduct and protect others.
Legal Perspectives and Next Steps
According to legal expert Gregory Doll (not involved in the case), the California Civil Rights Department has 60 days to investigate the complaint.
If mediation fails, Lively will be granted a right-to-sue letter, enabling her to pursue the matter in court.
Doll noted that Hollywood cases often settle, but the personal nature of these allegations could push the case to trial.
Responses from Both Sides
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, dismissed the allegations as “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious”, claiming Lively’s lawsuit is an attempt to fix her “negative reputation.”
Freedman accused Lively of causing disruptions during filming, including threats to skip promotional events, which allegedly contributed to the movie’s poor performance.
Lively defended her claims, emphasizing her intent to “pull back the curtain” on workplace retaliation and harassment.
Potential Countersuit
Doll believes Baldoni will “100% countersue” Lively, escalating the legal battle.
The discovery phase, which could reveal damaging texts and emails, may fuel further tensions if the case moves forward.
Fallout and Industry Impact
Baldoni was dropped by his talent agency, WME, shortly after the complaint was filed.
Legal experts suggest that mediation remains the most likely outcome, but a trial remains a possibility if tensions intensify.
What’s Next?
The California Civil Rights Department’s decision on whether to mediate or approve Lively’s lawsuit for court will shape the case’s future.
With the legal drama unfolding publicly, the outcome could have far-reaching effects on Hollywood’s handling of workplace harassment claims.
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