[kennedy felton]
Blake Lively is accusing her co-star, Justin Baldoni, of sexual harassment on the set of the movie “It Ends With Us,” as well as coordinating an elaborate online smear campaign against the actress.
The studio and Baldoni, who also serves as the film’s director, allegedly orchestrated efforts to “destroy” Lively’s public image and reputation.
Court documents obtained by The New York Times reveal a meeting was held to address Baldoni’s actions. Attendees included Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds.
Key issues discussed included hiring a full-time intimacy coordinator and prohibiting Baldoni from referencing his past pornography addiction or sexual experiences during interactions with Lively.
Additionally, the complaint states Baldoni requested Lively’s trainer disclose her weight without her permission.
Lively further alleges Jamey Heath, a producer on the film and CEO of Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios, added to the inappropriate workplace environment by showing her a personal video of his wife giving birth.
The allegations extend to Baldoni attempting to modify the script by adding graphic scenes without Lively’s consent. Following the meeting, thousands of texts and emails uncovered through a subpoena found Baldoni and his team plotting to tarnish her image if Lively went public with her concerns.
In one text dated August 2, a publicist working with Baldoni stated his intention to “bury” Lively.
In which crisis management expert Melissa Nathan replied, “You know we can bury anyone.”
On August 5, Baldoni allegedly suggested to his publicist, Jennifer Abel, an example of a smear campaign focusing on a viral social media thread accusing another female celebrity of bullying, stating “This is what we would need.”
Abel responded saying she had spoken to the crisis management expert about this, adding they should focus on Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram for the campaign.
All the while, Jed Wallace, a self-described “hired gun,” went on to lead a digital strategy that helped boost social media posts that would help Baldoni and his team. Wallace later tells crisis management expert Melissa Nathan “We are crushing it on Reddit” in a text she sent to Baldoni’s publicist. On August 10, an employee of Nathan says they’ve started to see a shift on social media, largely thanks to Wallace and his team to quote “shift the narrative.”
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, denied the allegations in a statement to The Times, accusing Lively of even threatening to not appear on set or promote the film unless her demands were met.
However, the alleged smear campaign appears to have impacted Lively’s career. She canceled a Target corporate event for her haircare company and withdrew from hosting Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary premiere in September.
More criticism followed when Lively revealed in a red-carpet interview that Reynolds, who is not involved with the film, helped write some scenes.
In a statement to The Times, Lively expressed hope that her legal action would expose the harmful tactics used against those who report misconduct.
Since the filing, Baldoni has been dropped by WME talent agency, while Lively remains a client.