Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni, alleging non-consensual behavior, including unwanted kisses and derogatory remarks, during the filming of *It Ends With Us*, which addresses domestic violence. Tensions on set reportedly led to Lively avoiding public appearances with Baldoni. A video surfaced, purportedly showing Lively’s consent during production, but expert insights question the lack of prior communication about intimate scenes. The situation underscores the critical need for respect and clear boundaries in the film industry.
Controversy Surrounding *It Ends With Us* and Blake Lively
As France buzzes with the finale of *Star Academy*, Hollywood finds itself embroiled in a significant controversy. *Actress Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against the director of her recent film*. Based on a popular novel and addressing the sensitive topic of domestic violence, *It Ends With Us* premiered in theaters on August 14, 2024. However, the promotional activities surrounding the film have unveiled considerable tensions among the cast.
Director Justin Baldoni, recognized for his role in *Jane the Virgin*, also stars alongside Ryan Reynolds’ wife. Reports suggest that the on-set atmosphere was tumultuous, leading Lively to refuse any public appearances with Baldoni during the film’s release. In a troubling turn of events, a purported smear campaign was launched against her, coinciding with the resurfacing of an old interview and other negative material designed to distract from the criticisms aimed at the team.
Allegations of Harassment on Set
This past Tuesday, January 21, 2025, a video from the film’s production surfaced on TMZ, allegedly intended to demonstrate that all actions taken during filming were with Lively’s consent. In her lawsuit, she accuses Baldoni of engaging in non-consensual behavior, including unwanted kisses, derogatory comments about her weight, and invasive questions regarding her personal life and beliefs. Additionally, producer Jamey Heath is accused of entering Lively’s dressing room without consent to show her an inappropriate video.
Expert insights from intimacy coordinator Mia Schachter, featured in *The Hollywood Reporter*, reveal disturbing observations from the footage. She notes, “*He tries to kiss her, and they clearly did not discuss it beforehand*,” highlighting Lively’s attempts to distance herself from Baldoni during their dance scene. Schachter emphasizes that while intimacy coordinators are typically present for intimate scenes, this particular moment lacked prior planning or agreement.
According to the intimacy coordinator, “*We will not kiss. That is the kind of contact that is on the table. Nothing else is, we are not going to introduce anything into the scene that we have not discussed beforehand*.” This lack of communication raises significant concerns about the ethical considerations in the filming process. Lively, as the leading actress, finds herself in a challenging position, needing to maintain harmony on set while feeling uncomfortable with the dynamics in play.
The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear communication and respect in the film industry, particularly concerning personal boundaries and consent. While the narrative continues to unfold, both Lively and Baldoni are navigating their respective truths in a highly publicized and scrutinized environment.