Actor Blake Lively has filed a federal lawsuit in New York against 'It Ends With Us' director Justin Baldoni and others associated with the romantic drama, alleging harassment and a coordinated effort to tarnish her reputation after speaking out about mistreatment on set. The lawsuit comes in response to a libel lawsuit filed by Baldoni and other defendants against The New York Times, claiming the newspaper and Lively were conducting a smear campaign.
The legal battles stem from allegations of mistreatment and harassment on the set of the surprise hit film, sparking discussions about the treatment of female actors in Hollywood. Lively's lawsuit accuses Baldoni and the film's production company of engaging in a retaliatory scheme to silence her and others from speaking out.
The suit details instances of inappropriate comments and behavior by Baldoni and a producer, including discussions of personal sexual experiences and attempts to pressure Lively to disclose intimate details. Baldoni's attorney has denied the allegations, calling them false and salacious.
Simultaneously, Baldoni and others have sued The New York Times for libel, seeking at least $250 million, alleging that the newspaper published a story based on Lively's unverified claims and ignored contradictory evidence. The Times has defended its reporting, stating that the story was meticulously researched and based on original documents.
The legal disputes have cast a shadow over the release of 'It Ends With Us,' which exceeded box office expectations with a $50 million debut. Lively, known for her roles in 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' and 'Gossip Girl,' has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, while Baldoni, star of 'Jane the Virgin,' has faced scrutiny over the film's portrayal of domestic violence.
The unfolding legal drama underscores the complexities of power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry, raising important questions about the treatment of actors on set and the role of media in shaping public perception.
