The unfolding story has now emerged. In a significant complaint submitted to the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, attorneys for actress Blake Lively, 37, alleged that producer Justin Baldoni, 40, of Wayfarer Studios, the company behind the successful film, engaged in sexual harassment towards the actress and subsequently retaliated against her with a smear campaign following her speaking out. This filing, a necessary step prior to initiating a workplace harassment lawsuit in California, lays the groundwork for what could become a contentious legal dispute, shedding light on claims of persistent sexism in Hollywood even after the #MeToo movement.
Lively expressed her hope that her legal actions would expose and deter these vindictive tactics aimed at silencing individuals who come forward about misconduct and safeguard others who might be targeted. In response, Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, denounced the accusations as false, extreme, and deliberately sensationalized to inflict public harm.
Consequences have swiftly materialized in the wake of Lively’s complaint. Baldoni was dropped by his agency, WME, on the same day news of the complaint broke, and cohost Liz Plank resigned from his podcast shortly after. Sony, the distributor of the film, SAG-AFTRA, and various celebrities, including Lively’s co-stars in the film, have rallied in support of the actress.
Among the litany of allegations made by Lively are instances where Baldoni intruded into her makeup trailer uninvited while she was breastfeeding, discussed a previous struggle with pornography addiction, hinted at past non-consensual encounters, and probed into her personal life. Allegations also include pressuring her to simulate nudity in a scene, engaging in inappropriate physical contact, and making disparaging remarks about her body.
According to Lively’s legal team, the film’s production was nearly disrupted by Baldoni’s conduct, leading to a toxic work environment not just for Lively but for other colleagues, including another actress who was allegedly harassed. The situation reportedly improved after a meeting involving Baldoni, Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath, film executives, Lively, and her representative, Ryan Reynolds, where steps were outlined to enhance working conditions on set.
Justin Baldoni reportedly agreed to certain conditions in response to a filing from Blake Lively’s legal team. These conditions included having an intimacy coordinator on set when Lively was present, refraining from improvised kissing, avoiding discussions about his own sex life or genitalia, and ceasing any mention of Lively’s deceased father, Ernie, whom Baldoni had allegedly claimed to have communicated with from beyond the grave. However, Lively’s lawyers contend that this meeting was just the beginning of the issue.
After the filming was completed and the release of the movie grew closer, Lively’s legal team claims that Baldoni, along with his publicist Jennifer Abel, crisis PR expert Melissa Nathan, Wayfarer co-founder Steve Sarowitz, and independent contractor Jed Wallace, worked together to tarnish Lively’s reputation. The complaint alleges that they employed a strategic press and digital campaign in retaliation against Lively for speaking up about their on-set misconduct, with the objective of intimidating her and others from revealing the truth publicly.
Exhibits filed by Lively’s lawyers include text messages and emails obtained through a subpoena, revealing communication between the parties planning to influence journalists to publish negative stories about Lively while flooding social media with disparaging comments. This tactic, known as astroturfing, aimed to create the appearance of organic criticism. Nathan’s text message to Abel suggested their ability to manipulate media narratives, and when a British paper published a headline questioning Lively’s future, Abel praised Nathan for her work.
Baldoni’s lawyer dismissed the complaint as an attempt by Lively to repair her reputation, characterizing the messages as internal planning and denying any wrongdoing by the publicists. However, Lively’s lawyers argue that the orchestrated campaign has caused her significant distress and financial losses, impacting her businesses, including her Blake Brown haircare company. Lively is seeking damages for emotional distress and interference in her other ventures from Baldoni and Wayfarer.
“Blake Lively filed a complaint on social media in August,” according to sources. A close associate disclosed that compiling the legal case has been a challenging but vital task. “Blake, alongside her team, has dedicated months to preparing this lawsuit. It has been a truly distressing ordeal for her. Incredibly stressful. She has never encountered anything of this magnitude before,” the insider revealed.
Following these developments, Lively’s legal representatives are currently assessing her alternatives while awaiting a decision from the California Civil Rights Department. The Department is expected to provide notification within 60 days if they will delve into the matter. Legal expert Gregory Doll, a California-based attorney not directly involved in the case, offered insights into the possible next steps. Doll stated, “If they identify any hindrances, they often intervene to facilitate a resolution with the employer. If not, they will issue her a ‘right to sue’ notice, granting her the ability to pursue legal action in court.”
Should litigation ensue and a settlement remains elusive, it could progress to a trial. Doll emphasized that cases with a high level of personal animosity between the parties are less likely to settle outside of court. Moreover, Doll anticipated the likelihood of a countersuit from the other party, given the acrimonious exchanges between their legal teams. “Based on my observations, it is highly probable that a counterclaim will be filed,” Doll opined.
Nevertheless, amidst the legal turmoil, Blake Lively finds solace in the unwavering support of her family and friends, particularly her spouse, Ryan Reynolds. A source close to Lively affirmed, “Ryan is her constant pillar of strength.” The insider further shared that the actress has been prioritizing her family following the filing of the complaint. “At this moment, she has articulated what needed to be expressed.”
The situation remains fluid as the legal proceedings continue to evolve. With the intricacies of the case unfolding, the future remains uncertain for both parties involved. The support network surrounding Blake Lively continues to stand by her side, offering comfort and encouragement as she navigates this challenging chapter in her life.
This ongoing narrative underscores the complexities and emotional toll associated with legal disputes, shedding light on the resilience and determination exhibited by individuals facing such adversities. As the case progresses, the pursuit of justice and resolution remains at the forefront, propelling all stakeholders towards a potentially transformative conclusion.
