Blake Lively's legal team is firing back with a strong response after footage, released by Justin Baldoni's team, surfaced in the media, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes conflict between the two stars during the production of It Ends with Us. The controversy stems from Lively's December 20 sexual harassment complaint, and the newly released video has only fueled the tension between the actress and her co-star-turned-director.
On January 21, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, made waves when he released a video, obtained by TMZ, aimed at disputing the claims Lively made in her lawsuit. The footage shows Lively and Baldoni, who are both in their 30s, filming a dialogue-free scene for the film. In the video, they can be seen joking around out of character, with Lively poking fun at Baldoni's nose and commenting on her spray tan. But instead of clearing the air, Lively's legal team believes the footage only supports her version of events.
Lively’s lawyers made a statement to PEOPLE, saying, "Every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter, what Lively included in her lawsuit about that scene." They assert that the footage backs up her claims about the inappropriate and unprofessional behavior that allegedly occurred during the production. This ongoing legal battle has taken a dark turn, with Lively's team accusing Baldoni of engaging in what they describe as a "harassment and retaliatory campaign."
The heart of the controversy lies in the serious accusations made in Lively’s December complaint. The actress alleges that Baldoni’s behavior on set created a "hostile work environment," one filled with "grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety." She specifically mentioned a disturbing incident during a "slow dance scene," where she claims Baldoni leaned in close and, in what she calls a highly inappropriate manner, "slowly dragged his lips from her ear and down her neck" while telling her, "It smells so good." Lively further accuses Baldoni of caressing her "with his mouth in a way that had nothing to do with their roles." When she voiced her discomfort, Baldoni allegedly responded by saying, “I’m not even attracted to you,” a remark that Lively’s legal team claims only adds to the unsettling nature of the situation.
Baldoni has not remained silent in the face of these accusations. In a move that shocked many, the actor-director filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist on January 16. The suit, which also included a defamation claim, was filed after Lively’s sexual harassment claims gained media attention. Baldoni contends that these allegations are false and part of a larger smear campaign. He also took issue with a report from The New York Times and filed a libel and privacy invasion lawsuit on December 31.
As tensions mount, the newly released footage has placed even more strain on the legal standoff. In the clip, Baldoni and Lively can be seen making light-hearted comments about Baldoni’s nose, with Lively jokingly suggesting he should undergo plastic surgery. However, this interaction has now become a focal point in the escalating conflict. Lively’s lawyers argue that the footage actually strengthens their case, saying it exposes Baldoni’s repeated attempts to invade her personal space and make her uncomfortable.
The released footage features Baldoni leaning toward Lively in an apparent attempt to kiss her, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, and telling her how good she smells. All of this, according to Lively's legal team, was unprovoked and done without consent, creating an environment where Lively felt harassed and vulnerable. "Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present," Lively's lawyers explained.
In the video, Lively is seen visibly trying to distance herself from Baldoni’s advances. She repeatedly asks him to keep the conversation in character, signaling her discomfort and attempt to deflect the inappropriate behavior. According to her attorneys, her body language clearly indicates that she was trying to avoid unwanted physical contact, an effort that many women who have experienced workplace harassment can likely recognize. They pointed out that Lively's attempts at humor in the video—joking about his nose and making light of the situation—were defense mechanisms, as she tried to shield herself from further unwanted touch.
What makes the situation even more troubling, Lively’s team argues, is the power dynamic between the two. Baldoni wasn't just Lively's co-star in It Ends with Us—he was also the director, the head of the studio, and in many ways, Lively’s boss. The combination of his professional authority and the lack of consent or discussion about the improvised interactions between them only deepens the concern over the behavior she experienced. "Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort," the statement reads. "They will recognize her attempts at levity to try to deflect the unwanted touching."
While Lively's legal team is pushing back hard against the release of the footage, they also claim that this act is just another part of a larger effort by Baldoni and his team to manipulate the public narrative. The statement concludes by labeling the release of the video as "another example of an unethical attempt to manipulate the public" and a continuation of the "harassment and retaliatory campaign" against Lively. Despite the media attention and stunts from Baldoni’s side, Lively’s legal team emphasizes their commitment to focusing on the legal process. They are determined to ensure Baldoni and his associates answer in court, not through orchestrated media events.
In a move to further counter Lively's claims, Baldoni's attorneys promised to launch a website containing “all correspondence as well as relevant videos that quash her claims.” This promise of a new media strategy is likely to add even more fuel to the fire, as both parties continue to battle it out publicly and legally.
This ongoing saga between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has captured significant public attention, with both sides digging in for a lengthy legal battle. The release of the footage has added another layer of drama, and it seems the stakes are higher than ever. As both Lively and Baldoni prepare for court, the ultimate outcome of these allegations will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their careers—and the film industry as a whole.
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