Blake Lively, 37, has spoken out against a video released by Justin Baldoni’s legal team that allegedly shows raw footage of an intimate scene from their film It Ends With Us. The actress claims the footage corroborates her allegations of sexual harassment against Baldoni, who directed and starred in the movie.
Lively’s lawyer called the video release a “stunt” by Baldoni and his team, stating, “Every frame of the footage corroborates what Ms. Lively described in Paragraph 48 of her Complaint.” The video reportedly shows Baldoni, 40, engaging in actions such as leaning in to kiss Lively, rubbing his face against her neck, and making unscripted comments about her scent—all of which, according to Lively’s team, were improvised and done without her consent or a pre-discussed choreography.
The legal team highlighted the absence of an intimacy coordinator during the filming and emphasized Lively’s visible discomfort in the footage. “Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort,” her lawyer said. “No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without consent.”
The video release follows Lively’s December lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of creating a hostile work environment through “disturbing and unprofessional” behavior. The lawsuit specifically cites a slow dance scene in which Baldoni allegedly dragged his lips down Lively’s neck and made inappropriate comments.
Baldoni, in a countersuit, has accused Lively of making unprofessional comments about his appearance, including suggesting he undergo cosmetic surgery to fix his nose. The newly released video includes a clip of both actors joking about the topic during filming, with Lively referencing an operation.
Lively’s team labeled the video’s release as “an unethical attempt to manipulate the public” and part of “a retaliatory campaign.” Her lawyer stated, “We are continuing our efforts to require Mr. Baldoni and his associates to answer in court, under oath, rather than through manufactured media stunts.”
This latest development has further fueled the legal battle, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives about the events that transpired during filming. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for workplace standards in Hollywood.
