Blake Lively, renowned actress and star of the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” recently faced allegations of sexual harassment from Justin Baldoni, director and actor of her film, “It Ends With Us.” Promptly following these allegations, her co-stars from the Sisterhood series, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, issued a collective statement in her support on social media.
The statement read, “We have known Blake as a dear friend and sister for over two decades, and we stand with her as she combats the campaign aimed at ruining her reputation. During the production of ‘It Ends With Us,’ we witnessed her courage in demanding a secure workplace for herself and her co-workers. It is profoundly disturbing to read about the calculated and malicious attempt to silence her voice, particularly the appalling misuse of domestic abuse survivors’ narratives to mute a woman who sought safety. The hypocrisy is glaring.”
The joint statement further expressed, “The stark reality that even a woman as powerful, acclaimed, and resourceful as our friend Blake can face aggressive retribution for simply demanding a secure work environment is deeply unsettling. We are moved by our sister’s bravery in standing up for herself and others. We urge anyone seeking further information or participating in this critical online conversation to refer to the complete legal complaint in the investigative report by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times.”
Blake Lively, along with Ferrera, Tamblyn, and Bledel, gained fame from their roles in the 2005 film “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and its 2008 sequel. The quartet has maintained a close-knit friendship ever since. Last year, they made headlines when they came together to support Ferrera’s Oscar-nominated performance in “Barbie.”
Lively’s complaint against Baldoni includes text messages and emails from Baldoni and his PR team. These documents reveal plans and a social media strategy to retaliate if Lively’s concerns about her working conditions with the director and co-star became public knowledge.
The complaint alleges, “Mr. Baldoni and his Wayfarer associates launched an elaborate press and digital scheme in response to Ms. Lively exercising her legal right to voice their misconduct on the set. Their additional goal was to intimidate her and anyone else from publicly disclosing the actual incidents.”
In response to Lively’s complaint, Bryan Freedman, a lawyer representing Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios, issued a statement. He described the complaint as “disgraceful” and riddled with “categorically false accusations.”
Following the public release of the complaint, “It Ends With Us” author Colleen Hoover also expressed her support for Lively. Hoover posted on social media, “You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
FAQs:
Q: What is the controversy surrounding Blake Lively?
A: Blake Lively, the actress and star of the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” has accused Justin Baldoni, the director and actor of her film “It Ends With Us,” of sexual harassment and running a smear campaign to ruin her career.
Q: How have her co-stars responded to the allegations?
A: Lively’s co-stars from the Sisterhood series, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, have issued a joint statement on social media in support of Lively.
Q: What does Lively’s complaint against Baldoni include?
A: The complaint includes text messages and emails from Baldoni and his PR team, revealing plans and a social media strategy to retaliate if Lively’s concerns about her working conditions with the director and co-star became public knowledge.
Q: How has Baldoni responded to the complaint?
A: Bryan Freedman, a lawyer representing Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios, refuted the complaint, calling it “disgraceful” and riddled with “categorically false accusations.”
Credit: variety.com
