Blake Lively files sexual harassment complaint against Justin Baldoni on the set of 'Never Again'

Nothing is going well between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Their conflict will be resolved in court. The actress, revealed to the general public by the series Gossip Girl, filed a complaint for “sexual harassment”, Friday December 20, against the director to whom she plays in the film Never again (new window)released last August. In this feature film, taken from best-seller eponymous by Colleen Hoover which deals with domestic violence, she plays Lily Bloom, trapped in a toxic relationship. Justin Baldoni plays the abusive husband.

In the complaint, revealed by American media, including TMZ (new window)E! News (new window) and the New York Times (new window)Saturday, Blake Lively testifies to a hostile work environment. During the chaotic filming of It Ends With Usthings reportedly got so bad between her and her on-screen partner that a “crisis meeting” was organized, attended by her husband Ryan Reynolds, to set red lines.

“Repeated harassment”

During this tense interview, she explains having denounced “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behaviors” by Justin Baldoni, including a forced kiss scene that lasted too long for his liking. She also claims to have been a victim of producer Jamey Heath, who allegedly had inappropriate attitudes.

The actor couple says they demanded that Justin Baldoni stop “to show videos or images of naked women” to Blake Lively, to talk about her alleged “pornography addiction” or his “sexual conquests” passed in front of her. He was asked not to make any further comments on the weight or the family of the 37-year-old actress. It was also mentioned that no additional sex scenes would be added “outside the scope of the scenario” which she had accepted when signing.

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In her complaint, Blake Lively also accuses her ex-collaborator, supported by the production company Wayfarer Studios, of having fomented a campaign of “manipulation sociale” aimed at “destroy” its reputation following disagreements over the promotion of the feature film. According to her, this would have had a negative impact on her professional and personal life, causing her family a “severe emotional distress”. “I hope that my legal action will help to lift the veil on these sinister retaliatory tactics aimed at harming those who speak out about professional misconduct and protecting others who may be targeted.”she declared to the New York Times.

A separate promotion

Allegations firmly rejected by Bryan Freedman, Justin Baldoni's lawyer, who denounced “false, scandalous and intentionally salacious accusations with the intent to cause public harm.” In a statement to Hollywood Reporter (new window)he considered that it was a “umpteenth desperate attempt” de la part de Blake Lively “to 'repair' his negative reputation which is linked to his statements and actions during the film's promotional campaign.”

According to the director's defense, a crisis manager was hired because of “multiple demands and threats” that the actress would have uttered, in particular “the threat of not showing up on set, the threat of not promoting the film, ultimately leading to his demise upon release, if his demands were not met.”

During the promotion of Never againBlake Lively and Justin Baldoni have never appeared together. Enough to fuel rumors of tensions on the networks. Internet users mentioned a possible difference between the two co-stars.