Blake Lively claims other women raised concerns about Justin Baldoni on ‘It Ends With Us’ set in latest court filing

blake Lively Expands Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni, Alleges Wider Pattern of Unwelcome Behavior

In a significant advancement in the ongoing legal battle between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Lively’s attorneys have filed an amended complaint that amplifies her initial allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation.

Filed in New York federal court on Tuesday, the amended complaint expands upon Lively’s claims, alleging that multiple women working on the set of the film “It Ends With us” experienced discomfort due to Baldoni’s “unwelcome behavior.” These concerns were reportedly shared with Lively, highlighting a potential pattern of inappropriate conduct.

“Ms. Lively brought this lawsuit as she was one of the ‘women or two’ that mr. Baldoni ‘one million percent’ … ‘made uncomfortable’ on the set of the film,” the amended lawsuit states. “Ms. lively was not the only one who was uncomfortable on set,and Mr. Baldoni and Wayfarer knew it.After Mr. Baldoni learned that he had caused Ms. Lively and others to feel ‘uncomfortable,’ he turned his TED Talk and ‘feminist’ advocacy on its head.”

The amended complaint also reveals that another female cast member reported her own concerns regarding Baldoni’s behavior to both a Sony representative,the film’s distributor,and another producer.According to Lively’s suit, Baldoni acknowledged these concerns in writing and promised adjustments to address the situation. however, the suit alleges that these promised changes did not materialize, and the female cast member continued to feel uncomfortable on set.

Lively’s attorneys further claim that Baldoni retaliated against Lively for raising her concerns by assembling a crisis management team and engaging in a smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation.

Adding to her lawsuit, Lively has included two new causes of action, including defamation. She alleges that baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has made defamatory statements about her in the media—retaliation for her legal action against Baldoni.

“Freedman regularly issues inflammatory content to media outlets, appearing on any show that will have him,” the suit states, “and saying anything, whether true or false, that will harm Ms.Lively’s credibility and damage her career.”

This expanded lawsuit underscores the gravity of the allegations against Baldoni and raises important questions about accountability and the protection of individuals in the entertainment industry who speak out against harassment.

What broader changes would you like to see in the industry consequently of this lawsuit?

Blake lively’s LawsuitExpands: A Conversation with Legal Expert,Victoria postgres,onthe Allegations Against Justin Baldoni and the Broader Implications

What do we know so far about the amended lawsuit filed by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni?

earlier this week,Blake Lively’s legal team filed an amended complaint in the ongoing lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Entertainment. The new filing alleges a pattern of unwelcome behavior by Baldoni on the set of ‘It Ends With Us’, supported by multiple women who voiced their discomfort to Lively.

Can you walk us through the key details of the amended complaint?

Certainly. The amended complaint expands on Lively’s initial allegations, stating that she was not the only one made uncomfortable by Baldoni’s behavior.It alleges that another female cast member raised concerns, which baldoni acknowledged and promised to address, but the situation remained unchanged. Additionally, Lively’s team has added a defamation cause of action, claiming that Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has made defamatory statements about her in the media.

How significant is the addition of the defamation claim to this lawsuit?

The defamation claim is a significant escalation in this legal battle. It not only directly targets Baldoni’s legal representation but also raises questions about the ethics and tactics used in responding to allegations of harassment. It underscores the importance of dialogue and respect, even in high-stakes, high-profile litigation.

What does this lawsuit tell us about the current landscape of accountability and protection for individuals speaking out against harassment in the entertainment industry?

This lawsuit is part of a larger conversation about power dynamics, consent, and accountability in the entertainment industry. Lively’s decision to pursue legal action, despite the potential backlash, signals a growing willingness to challenge inappropriate behavior and hold offenders accountable. However, the alleged retaliation against lively also highlights the need for stronger protections and support systems for individuals who report harassment.

What do you think the next steps might be in this case, and what broader changes would you like to see in the industry as a result?

The next steps will likely involve further legal procedurals, including discovery and potentially a trial. As for broader changes, I’d like to see a shift towards a more open and supportive work environment, where education on appropriate conduct and clear channels for reporting concerns are prioritized. Improved whistleblower protections and stronger enforcement policies could also help encourage more individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation.