In her claim, Lively says that the harassment was so intense that the film’s production team was forced to call an “all hands” meeting last January to address issues that “had nearly derailed production of the film.”
Actress Blake Lively has filed a complaint accusing “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment.
According to NBC News, the undated complaint was lodged with the California Civil Rights Department. In her claim, Lively says that the harassment was so intense that the film’s production team was forced to call an “all hands” meeting last January to address issues that “had nearly derailed production of the film.”
The meeting, notes NBC News, was allegedly attended by Lively, Baldoni, executives for Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Wayfarer Studios. Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, was also present.
Among the issues raised in the meeting were Lively’s allegations of inappropriate conversations and “retaliatory or abusive behavior.”
Now, in her California complaint, Lively claims that Baldoni repeatedly attempted to show her “nude videos or images of women.” Baldoni, who is also the director of “It Ends With Us,” also attempted to improvise filmed scenes of physical intimacy that had not been previously rehearsed or discussed.
During one of these scenes, Baldoni improvised a series of kisses.
“Mr. Baldoni insisted on shooting the full scene over and over again, well beyond what would have been required on an ordinary set, and without advance notice or consent,” the complaint alleges.
“At one point, he leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear and down her neck as he said, ‘it smells so good.’ None of this was remotely in character, or based on any dialogue in the script, and nothing needed to be said because, again, there was no sound,” the complaint claims. “Mr. Baldoni was caressing Ms. Lively with his mouth in a way that had nothing to do with their roles. When Ms. Lively later objected to this behavior, Mr. Baldoni’s response was, ‘I’m not even attracted to you.’”
Attorneys for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios have since called Lively’s claims “categorically false.”
“These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media,” said attorney Bryan Freedman.
Freedman also pushed back against Lively’s claims that Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios have initiated an aggressive public relations campaign against her, saying that his clients made the decision to “proactively” hire a crisis manager “due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production.”
Baldoni, notes FOX News, has reportedly been dropped by his talent agency, WME, in the wake of Lively’s complaint.
Sources
Blake Lively accuses ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation
Blake Lively’s claims that movie co-star launched smear campaign gets support in publicist’s suit
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