Blake Lively's co-stars issue statement following lawsuit against It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni
A group of Blake Lively’s old co-stars have issued a statement following her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
The 37-year-old starred alongside him in the summer hit film It Ends With Us which he also directed.
But the new lawsuit, obtained by The New York Times, accuses him of sexual harassment and alleges he attempted a ‘social manipulation’ campaign.
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With Baldoni’s lawyer slamming it as ‘categorically false accusations’, Lively’s legal complaint comes after months of rumours of an off-set rift between the pair.
It claims a meeting was held during production to address her claims and demands for working on the film, reportedly with her husband Ryan Reynolds, in attendance.
According to the lawsuit, Lively's demands included 'no more showing nude videos or images of women' to Blake, no more mention of Baldoni’s alleged previous ‘pornography addiction', no more discussions about 'personal experiences with sex' in front of Blake and others, no more 'descriptions of... genitalia', no more inquiries about Blake’s weight, and no further mention of Blake’s dead father.
Now, famous faces have spoken out in support of Lively, including some of her oldest friends.
America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel starred alongside her in the 2005 cult film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
They took to Instagram yesterday (22 December) to issue a join statement, saying they are ‘inspired’ by Lively and that the ‘hypocrisy is astounding’.
“As Blake's friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,” the statement reads.
“Throughout the filming of It Ends with Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.
"Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.
“We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others.
“For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike Mcintire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times.”
Lively told The New York Times in a statement: “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
LADbible contacted Sony Pictures and Baldoni and Lively’s reps for comment.
Topics: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Celebrity, TV and Film
Jess Battison