It Ends with Us controversy

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Between 20 December 2024 and 21 January 2025, a number of lawsuits were filed concerning various issues on the set of the film It Ends with Us , which premiered in August 2024, and was a box-office success, grossing $351 million worldwide against a $25 million budget.

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On 20 December 2024, Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging Justin Baldoni created a hostile work environment through inappropriate sexual comments and boundary violations. The complaint coincided with a New York Times article alleging that Baldoni hired a PR team to ruin Lively's public image in retaliation for the complaints. On 31 December 2024, Lively filed a federal suit against Baldoni for the same issues from her complaint to the Civil Rights Department. Lively additionally sued two of Baldoni's public relations representatives, Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, for violat[ing] federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns. [1]

On 26 December 2024, Baldoni filed a libel lawsuit for $250 million against The New York Times . [2] On 16 January 2025, he also filed a $400 million civil suit against lead actress Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloan for extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. [3]

Initial Civil Rights Department claim by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni

During the 2024 production of the American romantic drama film It Ends with Us, lead actress Blake Lively alleged she had experienced sexual harassment from the film's director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. On 20 December 2024, Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging Baldoni created a hostile work environment through inappropriate sexual comments and boundary violations, such as improvising unwanted kissing during filming. [4] [5] The New York Times reported that Baldoni hired a PR crisis management team to "bury" Lively after she confronted him about the alleged harassment. [5] Documents obtained by Lively via court-issued subpoena allegedly showed a coordinated effort on Baldoni's behalf to discredit her across both traditional and social media. [5]

Prior to the recommencement of filming after the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, Wayfarer Studios had agreed to implement safeguards including providing a full-time intimacy coordinator and bringing in an outside producer. [6] Lively and Reynolds had a meeting to address their list of demands to Wayfarer Studios, which were reported to include not showing nude videos or images of women to Lively; no more mentions of Baldoni's alleged previous 'pornography addiction'; no more discussions about sexual experiences in front of Lively and others; no further mentions of cast and crew's genitalia; and no more inquiries about Lively's weight. [7] [8] According to documents reviewed by The New York Times, after Lively raised concerns, Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath hired crisis management experts who allegedly coordinated efforts to "destroy" Lively's reputation through social media campaigns and strategic media placement. [6] Baldoni and his lawyer, Bryan Freedman, who deny the accusations, produced a statement describing Lively's claims as completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious. [9] Baldoni's publicist acknowledged his PR team had sophomorically reveled in the Lively coverage but insisted that although we were prepared, we didn't have to do anything over the top to protect our client. [10]

Initial response and fallout

On 21 December 2024, the talent agency WME, shared with Lively and also her partner Reynolds, dropped Baldoni as a client. [11] [12] [13] Colleen Hoover, the author of the novel on which the film is based, released a personal statement supporting Lively. [14] The actors' union SAG-AFTRA also stood by Lively, releasing a statement that read in part, We applaud [her] courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set. [15] Baldoni, who was to receive the Voices of Solidarity Award, had it rescinded by its sponsor, Vital Voices, which stated the reporting between Baldoni and his publicists, published by The New York Times, have been alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the Award. [16] Baldoni's Man Enough co-host Liz Plank resigned from their podcast. [17] Sony Pictures released a statement standing by Lively, adding, [W]e strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her. Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society. [18]

On 24 December, Stephanie Jones, Baldoni's former publicist, filed a lawsuit in New York City alleging both breach of contract and defamation against Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and her former employees. [19] Jones claimed she was forced out of representing Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios amid concerns about Lively going public with misconduct accusations. The lawsuit alleges that Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, former employees of Jones' PR firm, conspired for months to undermine Jones and her PR firm, Jonesworks, by stealing clients and prospects while blaming her for their smear campaign. It cites text messages and emails retrieved from Abel's company-issued phone, obtained after her firing, which coincided with the firm's separation from Baldoni and Wayfarer. [19]

In response to Lively's legal filing, Freedman maintained that the claims were "completely false" and also suggested the text messages shared by Jones with the The New York Times were "cherry-picked" to make his clients look unfavorable. [20] [21] According to Freedman, the text messages have been presented out of context by Jones and Lively in a way that alters their meaning; he also stated that he has never seen this level of unethical behavior intentionally fueled through media manipulation. [22]

Justin Baldoni's lawsuit against the New York Times

In response, Justin Baldoni filed a libel lawsuit for $250 million against The New York Times accusing them of pushing an unverified and self-serving narrative using cherry-picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context, and allegedly ignoring evidence disputing her claims. [2] Baldoni's lawyer stated, In this vicious smear campaign fully orchestrated by Blake Lively and her team, the New York Times cowered to the wants and whims of two powerful 'untouchable' Hollywood elites, disregarding journalistic practices and ethics once befitting of the revered publication by using doctored and manipulated texts and intentionally omitting texts which dispute their chosen PR narrative. [2]

Baldoni's lawsuit states, Lively's cynical abuse of sexual harassment allegations to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production was both strategic and manipulative... Simultaneously, her public image suffered as a result of a series of high-profile blunders, which she tried to deflect by blaming Plaintiffs for the public's prying interest into the foibles of an A-list celebrity. This is nothing but an excuse. Fame is a double-edged sword, but Lively's tactics here are unconscionable. [23]

The New York Times has defended itself, saying The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article. [24]

Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni

After Baldoni filed suit against the New York Times, on 31 December 2024, Lively filed a federal suit against Baldoni for the same issues from her complaint to the Civil Rights Department (which had not yet been an official lawsuit, but merely a complaint to a department). [25]

Journalist Matt Schimkowitz argues, ironically, Baldoni's lawsuit all but challenged Lively to do this, arguing that her filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department last week was to avoid scrutiny of a lawsuit. Unfortunately for Baldoni, this latest filing makes much of Baldoni's defenses murkier. [26]

Lively's representatives directly addressed this being a response to Baldoni's lawsuit, saying, This lawsuit is based on the obviously false premise that Ms. Lively's administrative complaint against Wayfarer and others was a ruse based on a choice 'not to file a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer,' and that 'litigation was never her ultimate goal.' As demonstrated by the federal complaint filed by Ms. Lively earlier today, that frame of reference for the Wayfarer lawsuit is false. While we will not litigate this matter in the press, we do encourage people to read Ms. Lively's complaint in its entirety. We look forward to addressing each and every one of Wayfarer's allegations in court. [25]

Lively's lawsuit alleges that he and his public relations team had marshaled a sophisticated, multi-tiered plan to undermine her reputation in retaliation for speaking up about sexual misconduct on the set of the film. The complaint names Baldoni; his film studio, Wayfarer; and the two public relations representatives, Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel. Lively's attorneys issued a statement claiming that Wayfarer and its associates have violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns. The statement also alleged that Baldoni initiated unwelcome physical advances, writing, When Ms. Lively or others avoided this touching, Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath would retaliate by becoming irritated, cold, and uncollaborative. The result was an unwelcoming and mercurial environment for Ms. Lively, her employees, and others on set. [1]

Justin Baldoni's lawsuit against Blake Lively

In response to Blake Lively's lawsuit against him, on 3 January 2025, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, told NBC that Baldoni plans to sue Lively, which he did. [27] [3]

On 16 January 2025, Baldoni's attorney filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloan for civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. [13] The 170-page complaint, filed in the Southern District of New York, claims that Lively attempted to hijack control of the movie with demands and threats, and despite getting most of what she wanted, decided to accuse Baldoni of a smear campaign, to deflect attention and blame for Lively's disastrous misjudgments... Lively would recast herself as the long-suffering martyr by portraying Baldoni and Wayfarer as her persecutors, according to the complaint. [13] Baldoni claims that the smear campaign alleged by Lively did not exist. [13]

Baldoni contends that Lively, along with Reynolds and Sloan, engaged in a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation, derail his career, and obscure the film's original purpose of highlighting domestic violence awareness. [28] The suit also claims that Lively weaponized her influence and media connections to create a false narrative, causing significant financial and emotional harm to Baldoni and his collaborators. [28]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star and Director Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment". The Hollywood Reporter . January 2025. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Cho, Winston (1 January 2025). "Justin Baldoni Files Libel Lawsuit Against New York Times Over Blake Lively Story". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  3. 1 2 Stump, Scott (4 January 2025)EXCLUSIVE: Justin Baldoni's lawyer says they 'absolutely' plan to sue Blake Lively and release 'every single' text Today Show. Retrieved on 4 January 2025
  4. ↑ "Blake Lively files complaint against Justin Baldoni over alleged sexual misconduct on 'It Ends with Us' set". ABC News . Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 Twohey, Megan; McIntire, Mike; Tate, Julie (21 December 2024). "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine". The New York Times . Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  6. 1 2 Twohey, Megan; McIntire, Mike; Tate, Julie (21 December 2024). "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  7. ↑ Piña, Christy (21 December 2024). "Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star and Director Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  8. ↑ Kreps, Daniel (21 December 2024). "Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  9. ↑ "Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Justin Baldoni for Sexual Harassment; His Lawyer Slams 'Shameful' Lawsuit Full of 'False Accusations'". Variety . 21 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  10. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Patten, Dominic (23 December 2024). "Justin Baldoni Rep Admits PR Team "Sophomorically Reveled" Against Blake Lively, But Claims No Smear Campaign Despite Sexual Harassment Allegations". Deadline . Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  11. ↑ Patten, Dominic; Andreeva, Nellie (21 December 2024). "Justin Baldoni Dropped By WME Following Blake Lively's Sexual Harassment Complaint". Deadline. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  12. ↑ Richards, Bailey (21 December 2024). "Justin Baldoni Dropped by His Talent Agency as Blake Lively Sues Him for Sexual Harassment". People. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Wagmeister 2025b.
  14. ↑ Garner, Glenn; Patten, Dominic (22 December 2024). "Colleen Hoover Supports Blake Lively Amid Justin Baldoni Lawsuit: "Never Wilt"". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  15. ↑ "SAG-AFTRA Supports Blake Lively After 'Startling and Troubling' Allegations Against Justin Baldoni". Variety . 23 December 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  16. ↑ "Statement by Vital Voices on Decision to Rescind Voices of Solidarity Award". Vital Voices . Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  17. ↑ "Justin Baldoni's Podcast Co-Host Resigns After Blake Lively's Allegations: 'I Will Continue to Support Everyone Who Calls Out Injustice'". Variety. 23 December 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  18. ↑ "Sony Condemns "Any Reputational Attacks" On Blake Lively From Justin Baldoni's Alleged Smear Campaign Against 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star". Deadline Hollywood . 24 December 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  19. 1 2 Johnson, Meredith (26 December 2024). "Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively and the PR Fallout Over 'It Ends With Us'". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  20. ↑ Twohey, Megan; McIntire, Mike (24 December 2024). "Justin Baldoni's Ex-Publicist Sues Over Alleged Smear Campaign". The New York Times . Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  21. ↑ Patten, Dominic (24 December 2024). "Justin Baldoni Hit With Defamation Suit As PR Teams Turn On Each Other Over Blake Lively's 'It Ends With Us' Smear Campaign Allegations". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  22. ↑ Patten, Dominic (27 December 2024). "Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni Legal Battle Heats Up With Countersuit Over 'It Ends With Us' Fallout". Deadline. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  23. ↑ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (1 January 2025). "Justin Baldoni sues New York Times for $250 million over Blake Lively story". CNN. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  24. ↑ Siegel, Tatiana (31 December 2024). "Justin Baldoni Files $250 Million Lawsuit Against New York Times Over Blake Lively Story: It Relied on Her 'Self-Serving Narrative' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  25. 1 2 Wright, Tracy (1 January 2025). "Blake Lively files official federal lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, looks forward to day in court". Fox News. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  26. ↑ "Blake Lively ends 2024 by officially suing Justin Baldoni". AV Club. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  27. ↑ Clayton 2025.
  28. 1 2 (16 January 2025), Text .

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