(CNN) — Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director of “It Ends with Us,” of sexual harassment and retaliation in a civil rights lawsuit, accusing him and his team of He claimed he had created a “plan” to “destroy” his reputation.
In a complaint filed Friday with the California Department of Civil Rights and obtained by The New York Times, Lively alleges that while filming It Ends With Us, she was subjected to a “hostile work environment that nearly derailed production.” A meeting was held to address the issue.” Lively expressed concern about “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior by Mr. Baldoni.” The complaint states that Lively’s husband, actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, attended the meeting and was acting as Lively’s chosen representative.
According to the complaint, the parties “discussed in detail the inappropriate conduct that Ms. Lively, her employees, and other members of the cast and crew experienced at the hands of Mr. Baldoni and the film’s producer Jamie Heath.” At the time, they told Lively and her employees that they would no longer show nude videos or images of women, that they would no longer discuss their alleged porn addictions, and that they would not allow “any depictions of their genitals to They agreed not to make further derogatory comments. Lively or its employees, according to the complaint. They also agreed that an intimacy coordinator would be present whenever Lively was on set for scenes with Baldoni.
The complaint also includes screen captures of text messages and communications obtained by Ms. Lively’s lawyers during discovery that Ms. Baldoni’s publicists and others reported in the media as part of a “social manipulation campaign.” It alleges that this represents an orchestrated attempt to damage the reputation of
It Ends With Us is based on Colleen Hoover’s hit 2016 novel of the same name and centers on domestic violence in a couple, which Lively and Baldoni portray on screen. .
The complaint, which is a precursor to a lawsuit, names Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, his publicist Mr. Heath, and Crisis Communications Manager.
“We want to set the record straight, hold the Wayfarer parties and associates accountable, shine a light on this new form of retaliation, and ensure it is not used against other criminals,” said Lively, who is also a producer on the film. We aim to do so.” Please stand up and speak out against sexual harassment,” the complaint says.
Brian Friedman, a lawyer for Baldoni, Heath & Wayfarer Studios, denied the allegations in a statement to CNN.
“These allegations are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally despicable aimed at publicly tarnishing and rehashing the media narrative,” Friedman said in a statement.
“It is disgraceful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorical false accusations against Ms. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and their representatives, and that “It’s yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ its reputation,” Friedman added. It comes from her own words and actions during the film’s campaign. Interviews and reporting activities were publicly observed in real time and unedited, allowing the internet to generate unique views and opinions. ”
Friedman said Wayfarer proactively hired a crisis public relations manager because Lively made “multiple demands and threats” during the film’s production, and that she would “not come to set” and “not promote the film.” Threatens her and ultimately ends up extinguishing her during her release if her demands are not met. ”
Baldoni’s lawyer also accused Lively’s team of “planting negative, completely fabricated and false stories in the media” about Baldoni before the film’s release.
“My legal action will help end these evil retaliatory tactics that harm those who speak out about wrongdoing and others who may be targeted,” Lively said in a statement to CNN. I hope this will help protect people.”
“It Ends With Us” was a commercial success, grossing over $350 million at the box office. However, reports surfaced about creative differences and tension between Lively and Baldoni on set. The two have not promoted the film together, and there have been rumors online about how Lively tackled the issue of domestic violence, a central story element of the film, in her promotional efforts for the film. It sparked controversy and drew criticism from some people who saw Lively sending the message. This movie is overly positive.
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