Blake Lively is doubling down on her allegations against Justin Baldoni, stating that the release of unedited footage from the set of It Ends With Us only reinforces her claims of inappropriate behavior.
In a statement provided to TMZ, Lively’s legal team said the footage clearly shows Baldoni’s unwelcome advances, including kissing her forehead, rubbing his face against her neck, and making unsolicited comments about her scent. According to her lawyers, none of these actions were scripted, choreographed, or discussed beforehand, leaving Lively visibly uncomfortable during the scene.
Allegations of Improvised Intimacy
The controversy stems from allegations that Baldoni, who was not only Lively’s co-star but also the film’s director and studio head, engaged in unconsented physical contact during filming. Lively’s legal team argues the lack of an intimacy coordinator exacerbated the situation, leaving her without safeguards against such behavior.
A pivotal claim in her lawsuit (Paragraph 48) highlights a specific incident where Baldoni allegedly leaned in and dragged his lips down her neck, describing her scent in a way that was neither in character nor relevant to the scene.
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Lively’s lawyers contend that her attempts to lean away and her requests to stick to dialogue demonstrate her discomfort. “No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent,” her attorneys stated.
Baldoni’s Response
Baldoni’s team released nearly 10 minutes of raw footage, claiming it exonerates him of harassment accusations. However, Lively’s team dismissed this move as a “media stunt,” arguing that the decision to release the footage to the public instead of presenting it in court demonstrates a lack of ethical conduct.
The release, they claim, is part of a broader harassment and retaliation campaign against Lively.
A Legal and Public Battle
The legal dispute has spiraled into a high-profile feud, with both parties filing lawsuits. Baldoni has accused Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane of defamation and other allegations, seeking $400 million in damages.
In contrast, Lively’s lawsuit accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment, emotional distress, and retaliation. Her claims include allegations of inappropriate workplace discussions, such as Baldoni sharing naked photos and discussing a pornography addiction.
Final Thoughts
Blake Lively’s team has framed Baldoni’s release of the unedited footage as an attempt to control the narrative, while they remain focused on addressing the issues in court.
The case highlights the broader conversation around workplace harassment, the importance of clear boundaries on set, and the role of intimacy coordinators in protecting actors. As both sides prepare for the legal battle ahead, public scrutiny continues to mount.
Stay tuned as this story develops.
