Blake Lively Criticizes Justin Baldoni Over Released Video Highlighting Their On-Set Relationship

Blake Lively has expressed her discontent with Justin Baldoni for unveiling footage revealing the true nature of their relationship.

Over the past summer, both actors starred in the movie “It Ends With Us,” adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel. The film’s release in August came amid rumors concerning Lively and Baldoni’s relationship.

Fans raised eyebrows due to their absence from joint promotional events. Recently, Baldoni’s legal team released a 10-minute video showcasing the duo engaging flirtatiously on set.

Lively’s legal representatives stated, “Justin Baldoni and his attorney might think this move will counteract the damaging evidence accumulating against him, but the video itself is incriminating.”

The team argued that the footage validates Lively’s allegations of inappropriate advances by Baldoni.

Concerning the video, they said, “It shows Mr. Baldoni consistently leaning in toward Ms. Lively, attempting to initiate kisses, kissing her forehead, brushing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, praising her scent, and speaking to her out of character.”

These exchanges, according to them, were performed spontaneously without prior discussion or the presence of an intimacy coordinator. Baldoni, who was not only Lively’s co-star but also the director and studio head, occupied a position of authority over her.

Lively reportedly “leaned away and frequently asked” Baldoni for their characters to “just talk” rather than getting intimate.

The legal group emphasized, “Any woman who has faced unwanted touches in a professional setting will identify with Ms. Lively’s discomfort. Her attempts to deflect the unwanted advances are evident.”

They further accused Baldoni of continued harassment campaigns against Lively, describing his actions as media stunts purely for attention.

In response, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freeman, released footage of the pair slow dancing at a bar set.

“The scene was crafted to display the characters’ budding love and desire to be close,” Freeman explained.

He added, “Both actors acted within professional boundaries, showcasing mutual respect.”

The video depicted them holding each other while chatting about their significant others, Ryan Reynolds and Emily Baldoni.

In character as Ryle, Baldoni kissed Lively’s neck, to which she indicated a preference for dialogue over physical intimacy. Lively mentioned feeling “nosey,” to which Baldoni quipped about his nose size.

Lively responded humorously with: “I was hoping we could address this. It’s not too late,” hinting at a joke involving nose surgery.

Watch the footage below:

@extra_tvJustin Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman released raw video of Baldoni and Blake Lively from their movie set, offering insight into their interaction. Filmed on May 23, 2023, the video contradicts Lively’s on-set harassment allegations. The footage includes three takes, allegedly refuting her claims about Baldoni’s behavior. Watch the full video on our YouTube. #justinbaldoni #blakelively #itendswithus

Lively has since filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging a smear campaign, causing significant emotional distress to her and her family.

Baldoni’s lawyer countered, describing the lawsuit as filled with “categorically false accusations.”

The lawsuit cites a meeting with husband Ryan Reynolds present discussing Lively’s demands during production. This included refraining from showing inappropriate images or mentioning Baldoni’s supposed past issues, and avoiding intimate discussions in front of her.

Lively also objected to additional intimate scenes being included in the film.

Sony Picture’s approval of these conditions was allegedly detailed in her complaint.

Lively additionally accused Baldoni of social manipulation, claiming his actions were intended to damage her reputation.

Concerning the added explicit content, she pinpointed a scene involving her character’s virginity—absent from the book but suggested by Baldoni.

She expressed her disapproval of these additions, per the complaint. Although Baldoni ultimately removed the scenes, he added another intimate wedding night scene.

According to allegations, Baldoni asked Lively inappropriate questions about her personal life, which she found invasive.

Baldoni’s attorney defended him, stating, “It’s shameful that Ms. Lively would make such serious false allegations in another attempt to cover her negative feedback.”

Further stating, “Wayfarer Studios employed a crisis manager due to Lively’s ongoing demands, threatening her absence from set if not honored.”

Lively additionally stated, “I hope my legal action exposes these retaliatory tactics to protect those standing against misconduct.”

Baldoni, meanwhile, became a part of a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times concerning privacy invasion and libel.

The article accused Baldoni of inappropriate entries into Lively’s trailer, rebuffed by his legal team’s evidence of Lively inviting Baldoni in while she was nursing.

The text message purportedly read, “I’m just pumping in my trailer if you want to practice lines,” to which Baldoni replied, “Copy, eating with crew, will head that way.”

The lawsuit argues the texts indicate Lively’s comfort with Baldoni, contesting her claims.

Freedman emphasized, “What’s emerging is a narrative shift. People will soon question the validity of the allegations.”

He pressed, “When Lively claims sexual harassment from Baldoni entering her trailer, she omits her text invitation evidence.”

“The New York Times must have perused thousands of documents, why wasn’t this text highlighted?”

Conclusion