Blake Lively's co-star Jenny Slate supports her, calls allegations by Justin Baldoni 'terribly dark'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jenny Slate is voicing her support for Blake Lively amid allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against Justin Baldoni, the director, and co-star of their upcoming film, 'It Ends With Us'.
Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, detailing allegations of inappropriate behavior and a hostile work environment during production.
Jenny Slate calls Blake Lively 'loyal friend' and leader
Blake Lively's lawsuit, filed Friday, has drawn widespread attention in Hollywood. It follows earlier rumors of a feud between the actress and Justin Baldoni over creative differences during the film's promotion.
Slate publicly backed Lively in light of the allegations. "As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation," Slate said in a statement Monday, 23 to TODAY.
Slate further praised Lively, describing her as "a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her."
She added, "What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side."
Slate plays Allysa, the sister of Baldoni’s character and Lively’s sister-in-law, in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel 'It Ends With Us'.
Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of creating 'hostile work environment'
Blake Lively’s complaint details claims against Justin Baldoni, his company Wayfarer Studios, and co-founder James Heath.
According to the filing, Lively alleges Baldoni engaged in "invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior" on set as People reported.
The complaint further states that Lively experienced "grief, fear, trauma and extreme anxiety" due to Baldoni’s alleged actions.
It also accuses the director of orchestrating a social media smear campaign against Lively after production issues emerged. The alleged "hostile work environment" reportedly came close to derailing the film’s production.
Hollywood backs Blake Lively amid lawsuit
Jenny Slate joins a growing number of Hollywood celebrities and organizations supporting Blake Lively. Both Sony, the studio behind 'It Ends With Us', and SAG-AFTRA have reportedly publicly backed Lively.
The allegations surfaced months after reports of creative conflicts between Lively and Baldoni overshadowed the film’s promotional cycle in August. Baldoni’s faced sudden dismissal from his agency shortly after the lawsuit was filed.
Baldoni was dropped by WME, the agency that also represents Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, according to Deadline.
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, denied the accusations, calling them "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt" the director, in a statement on December 21.
