Blake Lively’s Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni: New Allegations Surface
Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle against Justin Baldoni has taken a dramatic turn with the emergence of new allegations from other women involved in the production of It Ends With Us. Recent reports indicate that both Jenny Slate, who starred alongside Lively, and Colleen Hoover, the author of the original novel, have raised concerns about Baldoni’s behavior during filming.
Unsealed Depositions Reveal Disturbing Claims
According to a report from TMZ, newly unsealed depositions from Lively’s lawsuit contain serious allegations not only from Lively but also from several women who were present on set. In her deposition, Lively described an incident where Baldoni allegedly pressured her to film a scene depicting childbirth while wearing “barely covered genitalia.” She characterized this request as “violative and humiliating,” asserting that she felt uncomfortable and disrespected.
Lively claims that Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath insisted she perform the scene nude, justifying their request by referencing how his wife had given birth. Lively countered this assertion, stating that she was fully clothed during her own childbirth experiences, highlighting a stark difference in expectations.
Jenny Slate’s Disturbing Observations
The unsealed documents also include text messages from Jenny Slate, who expressed her discomfort with the filming environment. In one message, she described the shoot as “disturbing” and noted that both she and Lively had voiced their concerns directly to production executive Andrea Giannetti at Sony. Slate’s messages paint a picture of a toxic atmosphere, where she labeled Baldoni as a “false ally” and criticized his portrayal as a “male feminist.” Her candid remarks included calling him a “fraud” and expressing her unease about working with him.
Slate’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among the cast and crew, indicating that Lively was not alone in her feelings of discomfort. She described Baldoni and Heath as “the biggest clown and the most intense narcissist,” further emphasizing the troubling dynamics on set.
Colleen Hoover’s Discomfort
Colleen Hoover also weighed in on the situation, expressing her own discomfort regarding Baldoni’s presence at the film’s premiere. In an email, she candidly stated, “Am I going to be comfortable if Justin is there? No, things are beyond uncomfortable at this point.” This sentiment underscores the pervasive unease felt by multiple women involved in the project, suggesting a systemic issue within the production.
Legal Implications and Responses
Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, commented on the newly revealed evidence, highlighting Baldoni’s public persona as an advocate for women. She pointed out the irony in Baldoni’s statements during a TedTalk, where he emphasized the importance of listening to women, even when their experiences contradict his narrative. McCawley asserted that the evidence shows that Lively and others had raised concerns about Baldoni’s behavior as early as Spring 2023, which were categorized as “sexual harassment” by the production company, Wayfarer.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, McCawley claims that Wayfarer failed to investigate the complaints adequately and instead attempted to silence those who spoke out through retaliation.
Ongoing Developments
As the lawsuit progresses, neither Lively nor Baldoni has publicly commented on the latest revelations. Lively is seeking $161 million in damages, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The case continues to unfold, and further updates are anticipated as new information becomes available.
The allegations surrounding It Ends With Us highlight significant issues within the film industry, particularly regarding the treatment of women and the power dynamics at play. As more voices join the conversation, the implications of this case may resonate far beyond the courtroom, prompting a reevaluation of practices in Hollywood.
