Norwegian journalist denies ties to Justin Baldoni’s alleged smear campaign against Blake Lively

Kjersti Flaa denies claims of involvement in Justin Baldoni’s alleged smear campaign amid Blake Lively’s lawsuit.

Kjersti Flaa, a Norwegian entertainment journalist, has denied any connection to Justin Baldoni’s alleged smear campaign against actress Blake Lively. Flaa’s denial follows claims made in a recent New York Times article that detailed an alleged effort by Baldoni and his team to damage Lively’s reputation after she accused him of misconduct on the set of It Ends With Us.

The controversy centers around Flaa’s decision to repost a 2016 interview with Lively, during which the actress reacted sharply to a comment about her “baby bump.” Flaa titled the reposted video “The Blake Lively interview that made me want to quit my job,” sparking renewed online criticism of Lively. The New York Times article suggested a possible connection between Flaa’s actions and Melissa Nathan, a crisis management expert involved in the alleged smear campaign.

In response, Flaa posted a video on Threads, categorically denying any involvement. “I see things are starting to snowball, and people think I had something to do with this,” she said. “I had nothing to do with it. When I read the text messages between Justin Baldoni’s PR team, I was as shocked and appalled as everyone else.”

Flaa emphasized that her decision to repost the interview was independent and intended to highlight the challenges she faced during her career. “I showed how Blake Lively behaved in my interview, and that’s it,” she clarified.

The lawsuit against Baldoni accuses him of sexual harassment, retaliation, and orchestrating efforts to harm Lively’s public image. Flaa has urged viewers to watch her YouTube video addressing the matter, reiterating her lack of involvement in any coordinated campaign.

Flaa’s denial adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni, underscoring the complexities of public perception and the potential misuse of media in Hollywood disputes.