Through the justice box. Actor and director Justin Baldoni sued by Blake Lively for sexual harassment on the set of the film Never againcounterattacked Thursday with a complaint for defamation and extortion against the actress, demanding at least 400 million dollars (388 million euros) in damages. A look back at a case with multiple twists and turns.
Several impromptu kisses
In December, the New York Times had revealed that the star of the series Gossip Girl had filed a complaint against Justin Baldoni and producer Jamey Health for inappropriate behavior and comments, particularly of a sexual nature, during the filming of the film Never again.
The film, which was a hit at the box office, tells the story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), who lives a passionate relationship with a neurosurgeon played by Justin Baldoni. But from their first meeting, Ryle (Brandon Sklenar) becomes more and more violent with Lily throughout their relationship, to the point of sexually assaulting her.
But did this fictional scenario also hide a less-than-stellar reality on the set? Blake Lively accused, for example, the actor of having improvised several kisses, and the producer of having looked at her topless in her dressing room and asking her not to turn around. Her complaint also points to a campaign launched with the help of a crisis management agency to discredit the actress and her possible statements.
A campaign against the actress
A campaign that would have occurred during the promotion of the film Never againlast summer. The 36-year-old actress was strongly criticized for her attitudes considered inappropriate and contemptuous during certain interviews which came to the surface on social networks.
-The film’s director, Justin Baldoni, also appeared to be trying to undermine Blake Lively by attacking her over her weight and using controversial methods to deal with the bad publicity of her feature film. At the same time, Hollywood personalities, including Johnny Depp’s ex, Amber Heard, stepped up to support and defend Blake Lively. Not enough to weaken the defense of the 40-year-old director.
The director’s counterattack
Today, Justin Baldoni believes, in his civil complaint filed in New York, that Blake Lively sought to “steal” and “take control” of the film and its promotion. He accuses the actress of extortion, defamation and violation of her private life.
Blake Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, is also the subject of this complaint. Justin Baldoni accuses actor and producer of making fun of him in the latest film Deadpool, released on July 24. He thinks the Nicepool character caricatures him.
Finally, Justin Baldoni has already launched defamation proceedings against the New York Timesfrom whom he demanded 250 million dollars (243 million euros) for his article revealing the actress’ complaint. The word is now given to justice.
