Blake Lively says smear campaign forced her to skip hosting historic SNL season opener

Blake Lively claims her hosting gig for the season opener of SNL was derailed due to an alleged smear campaign.

Blake Lively has accused her “It Ends with Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign that disrupted her professional opportunities, including hosting the much-anticipated Season 50 opener of “Saturday Night Live.”

In a legal complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, Lively detailed the significant impact of Baldoni's alleged harassment on her career. According to the filing, Lively stated, “The effects on Ms. Lively’s professional life were immediate and substantial,” citing public sentiment and ongoing scrutiny as reasons she felt unable to participate in public events.

Among the opportunities lost was the hosting gig for “SNL” in September 2024. The complaint also revealed that Lively canceled a major Target corporate event for her hair care company due to the controversy.

The complaint further described a January 2024 meeting where Baldoni allegedly made inappropriate remarks about Lively's weight, asked about her religious beliefs, and discussed personal sexual matters. It also claimed that Jamey Heath, a producer on “It Ends with Us,” showed Lively a personal video of his wife giving birth.

Additionally, Lively provided evidence of texts and emails allegedly showing Baldoni and his team strategizing a retaliatory campaign against her if disputes from the set were made public.

This filing comes as Lively continues to speak out about workplace safety and the challenges women face in Hollywood. The allegations have sparked widespread discussion about accountability and power dynamics in the entertainment industry.