The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has reached new heights, with both parties trading accusations and releasing conflicting evidence. The conflict stems from Lively's allegations of sexual harassment on the set of the 2024 film It Ends With Us, directed by and starring Baldoni.
On January 21, Baldoni's legal team released behind-the-scenes footage to counter Lively's claims, which were first outlined in her December 2024 complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Commission. The video, obtained by multiple outlets, depicts Lively and Baldoni filming a slow-dance scene. Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, stated the footage "proves" that Baldoni acted professionally, adding, "Justin Baldoni and team have nothing to hide."
The footage shows the actors joking about her spray tan and his nose. Baldoni laughs as Lively quips about him getting plastic surgery. However, Lively's legal team argues the video only supports her claims. "Every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter, what Ms. Lively included in her lawsuit," her team stated.
Lively's original complaint alleges that Baldoni created a hostile work environment through "disturbing and unprofessional" behavior. In one scene, she claims Baldoni leaned forward, dragged his lips from her ear to her neck, and remarked, "It smells so good." According to her lawsuit, Baldoni later dismissed her objections, telling her, "I'm not even attracted to you."
In response, Baldoni has filed multiple lawsuits, including a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging defamation and extortion. He also sued The New York Times for $250 million over an article detailing Lively's allegations, accusing the outlet of libel and false light invasion of privacy.
Freedman announced plans to launch a website featuring "all correspondence as well as relevant videos that directly quash her claims." Baldoni's legal team has framed the release of the video as an effort to provide transparency. A statement included in the footage claims the actors were "behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism."
Lively's attorneys have rejected that characterization, describing the release of the footage as "an unethical attempt to manipulate the public." They assert the video highlights Lively's discomfort and demonstrates her efforts to deflect Baldoni's alleged inappropriate behavior. "No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent," her legal team stated.
The feud has drawn attention not only to the alleged misconduct but also to the broader dynamics on set. Lively's attorneys have emphasized Baldoni's dual role as both her co-star and director, arguing that his position of authority compounded her distress. They allege Baldoni leveraged his influence to create a "retaliatory smear campaign" after she raised concerns.
The legal battle has spilled into the public arena, with both sides seeking to sway public opinion. Baldoni's forthcoming website, which his attorney says will provide additional context, has been criticized by Lively's camp as a continuation of the harassment she claims to have endured.
