A significant industry upheaval is unfolding after Blake Lively, 37, filed a civil rights complaint against her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign through his crisis firm, TAG PR.
The allegations have prompted swift professional consequences for Baldoni, 40. Vital Voices revoked his “Voices of Solidarity Award” for being an “ally to women,” while the talent agency WME terminated their relationship with him. The controversy has expanded as Stephanie Jones, founder of Baldoni’s former PR company, has initiated legal action against him, Wayfarer Studios, and publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel for defamation and breach of contract.
Major industry players have aligned with Lively, including Sony Pictures Entertainment, which publicly condemned the alleged reputational attacks against her. The film’s author, Colleen Hoover, has also expressed support for Lively’s position.
Legal expert Camron Dowlatshahi of MSD Lawyers suggests the complaint could result in a substantial settlement for Lively, though noting that financial gain isn’t likely her primary motivation. “This was her needing to change the narrative, and already it has,” Dowlatshahi told The US Sun.
The repercussions have extended beyond immediate professional relationships, affecting Baldoni’s podcast ventures and non-profit associations. Legal experts suggest his career revival would require a robust defense strategy backed by substantial evidence, though prospects appear increasingly challenging as support for Lively continues to grow within the industry.
The situation represents a dramatic reversal from earlier public sentiment, which had initially favored Baldoni during the film’s promotion period, when Lively faced criticism over various issues including past interviews and personal history.
