A few months after the release of Never againBlake Lively filed a complaint against her playing partner and director of the project, Justin Baldoni. The actress accuses him of sexual harassment and toxic behavior as well as fueling an online smear campaign in response.
Never Again was released in theaters this summer. It is an adaptation of the best-selling book of the same name written by Colleen Hoover. The feature film was a great success, generating $50 million in box office revenue in the United States and racked up more than 1.3 million admissions in France.
However, the film has experienced several controversies and Blake Lively has even been singled out. While some dream of a sequel, Never Again is making headlines in the media for another subject since Ryan Reynolds' companion filed a complaint this Friday, December 20, against the actor and director Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment.
Blake Lively takes action
After denouncing the behavior of her ex-collaborator, Blake Lively reveals in particular that she was the victim of a massive smear campaign according to the statements of the New York Times. The interpreter of Lilly Bloom says that it all started from a meeting where she denounced “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behaviors” by Justin Baldoni and a producer of the film.
Justin Baldoni allegedly forced kisses and discussions about his sex life on her. The actor allegedly admitted to him that he did not always have the consent of his partners during certain relationships. Additionally, the film's producer, Jamey Heath, allegedly watched her changing in her dressing room despite asking him not to. He allegedly showed her a video of his own naked partner against her will.
Blake Lively harassed for speaking out
If she had the courage to talk to the teams about it, Blake Lively was then targeted by online harassment whether on forums, social networks or in the press. Justin Baldoni highlighted victims of domestic violence when promoting Never Again since it is one of the themes of the film. She assures that he did it to protect his image.
At the microphone of New York Times, Blake Lively said: “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 wrongdoing and protecting others who may be targeted.” On the actor's side, his lawyer Bryan Freedman revealed that his allegations were “completely false and scandalous.” “They are intentionally salacious with the aim of causing public harm and rehashing a narrative in the media”he added.
Not sure that a second film will see the light of day with this affair…
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