Blake Lively’s lawsuit reveals 5 biggest allegations against Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively has filed a legal complaint against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in It Ends With Us, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and efforts to damage her reputation. The lawsuit also names six additional defendants, including Wayfarer Studios executives and crisis communications specialists.

Lively claims she raised concerns about inappropriate behavior from Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath before filming began. She attended an “all hands” meeting, alongside her husband Ryan Reynolds, to address issues that had allegedly derailed production. Agreed-upon behaviors included prohibiting the sharing of explicit content, discussions about pornography, and inappropriate comments about genitalia. Despite these measures, the hostile environment reportedly persisted.

The lawsuit accuses Baldoni of adding graphic sexual scenes to the film, including an on-camera orgasm, without Lively’s knowledge or consent. Baldoni allegedly insisted the changes were made “through the female gaze.” Lively also objected to filming a birthing scene while partially nude, but Baldoni and Heath failed to ensure a closed set, leaving non-essential crew members present.

According to the complaint, Baldoni abandoned Sony Pictures’ marketing strategy, which emphasized the film’s themes of strength and resilience, in favor of highlighting domestic violence. Lively alleges this shift caused public backlash against her while shielding Baldoni from criticism.

Lively claims Baldoni hired crisis communications specialists to orchestrate a smear campaign against her. The lawsuit alleges tactics such as “astroturfing,” where fake grassroots support was manufactured to harm her reputation. Text messages included in the complaint reportedly show Baldoni’s team discussing ways to “bury” Lively online.

The complaint alleges Baldoni retaliated against Lively to protect his image as a feminist ally. It references his 2018 TED Talk, Why I’m Done Being ‘Man Enough,’ and accuses him of crafting a public persona contrary to his actions. Lively says Baldoni used “sinister retaliatory tactics” to suppress her concerns about misconduct.

Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has denied the claims, calling them “categorically false” and part of a “desperate attempt” to shift blame for the film’s challenges. Lively, in a statement to The New York Times, said she hopes her legal action will expose these tactics and protect others facing similar situations.