Legal Battle Over It Ends With Us Escalates With Leaked Footage
The legal dispute between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni surrounding the blockbuster It Ends With Us took a dramatic turn on Tuesday. Baldoni’s legal team leaked behind-the-scenes footage to media outlets in an attempt to counter Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment. The move has sparked outrage from Lively’s attorneys, who accuse Baldoni of using “manufactured media stunts” to sway public opinion.
The Allegations and Counterclaims
Earlier this month, Lively filed a federal lawsuit against Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studio, and its executives, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and leading a smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni countersued for $400 million in damages, alleging that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, engaged in a defamation campaign against him.
At the heart of the case is a pivotal scene from the movie, in which Lively and Baldoni’s characters share a romantic slow dance. Lively claims Baldoni crossed professional boundaries during filming, kissing and touching her without prior consent. She further alleges that when she objected to his behavior, Baldoni dismissed her concerns, saying, “I’m not even attracted to you.”
The Leaked Footage
The leaked footage, shared by Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman, reportedly includes three takes of the controversial scene. Title cards accompanying the video claim both actors acted professionally and that the scene was performed as intended in the script.
However, Lively’s legal team asserts that the footage supports her allegations. They point to moments where she appears to pull away or redirect Baldoni’s advances. “Every frame supports Ms. Lively’s description of events,” her attorneys stated. They also criticized the lack of an intimacy coordinator on set and highlighted the power imbalance created by Baldoni’s dual role as director and co-star.
The Public Relations Battle
Baldoni’s legal team defended the release of the footage, calling it a necessary step to counter what they described as Lively’s “public smear campaign.” Freedman stated, “Truth and authenticity apply to everyone,” accusing Lively of attempting to damage Baldoni’s reputation through media channels before filing her lawsuit.
In contrast, Lively’s attorneys have condemned the leak, calling it an unethical tactic to manipulate public opinion. “This is yet another instance of harassment and retaliation,” they said, reiterating their stance that the legal proceedings should be resolved in court, not in the media.
What’s Next?
This lawsuit has reignited debates about workplace boundaries and the responsibilities of actors and directors on set. The case is currently unfolding in federal court, with both sides standing firm on their claims.
Context and Industry Implications
Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, It Ends With Us was produced by Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studio and distributed by Sony. While the film achieved commercial success, the ongoing legal battle has cast a shadow over its release. The controversy has also raised important questions about on-set power dynamics and the critical role of intimacy coordinators in protecting actors.
As the legal proceedings continue, the public remains divided, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives. Beyond individual allegations, this case highlights broader systemic issues in Hollywood that demand further scrutiny.
Stay tuned for updates as this high-profile case unfolds.
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