Blake Lively, the renowned actress, has recently added substantial amendments to her lawsuit against co-star Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation. In a New York federal court filing, Lively detailed allegations of unwelcome behavior from Baldoni on the set of the movie “It Ends With Us.” She claimed that additional women working on the film were also made uncomfortable by Baldoni’s actions and confided in her.
Moreover, Lively stated that another female co-star had reported concerns about Baldoni to Sony, the film’s distributor. The lawsuit emphasized that Lively was not the only one feeling uncomfortable on set, and after reports of discomfort surfaced, Baldoni allegedly altered his public image as a “feminist” advocate.
Following Lively’s initial complaint, the amended lawsuit disclosed that another female cast member also raised concerns about Baldoni’s behavior to Sony. Subsequently, adjustments were promised by Baldoni, but instead of addressing the discomfort on set, he allegedly retaliated against Lively by hiring a crisis management team and launching a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation.
The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni intensified as she included new causes of action, including defamation, in her lawsuit. Lively accused Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, of making defamatory comments about her in the media as a means of retaliation.
According to Lively’s attorneys, evidence indicates that Lively was not alone in reporting on-set misconduct more than a year before the film was edited. The lawsuit sheds light on the threats, harassment, and intimidation faced by Lively and others as a result of the defendants’ alleged retaliatory actions.
In response, Baldoni has denied all allegations and countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million. He also filed a lawsuit against the New York Times for $250 million, alleging collusion with Lively’s team to portray a one-sided narrative.
The legal saga has garnered significant attention, with Lively and Baldoni opting out of mediation and heading towards trial in March 2026. Amidst escalating tensions, both parties have engaged in public statements, prompting the judge to caution against prejudicing the trial through media interactions.
As the case unfolds, Lively’s attorneys have issued subpoenas to obtain communication records from Baldoni and his team to uncover the extent of the alleged smear campaign against her. While Baldoni’s attorney has objected to these subpoenas, the legal battle continues as the judge deliberates on this matter.
The public nature of the dispute between Lively and Baldoni marks a rare occurrence in Hollywood, where celebrities often settle disputes privately. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities of power dynamics and allegations in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, the evolving legal saga between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni epitomizes the challenges faced by those speaking out against harassment and retaliation in the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it raises pertinent questions about accountability, justice, and the need for systemic change to address workplace misconduct.