Justin Baldoni dropped by WME after Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' co-star of harassment
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Justin Baldoni’s talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME), has dropped him after Blake Lively filed a complaint accusing him of sexual harassment.
Besides harassment, Lively also reportedly sued the 40-year-old actor on Friday, December 20, accusing him of tarnishing her reputation.
Blake Lively alleged that the attack began after a meeting was held to address repeated harassment and "other disturbing behavior” by Baldoni and a lead producer of ‘It Ends With Us.’
Blake Lively faced backlash for making demands before starting work
The ‘Gossip Girl’ star, who is also represented by WME, had the meeting with Sony Pictures, producers on the film, Justin Baldoni, and Jamey Heath from Wayfarer Studios, publicists for the film, and more, The Hollywood Reporter noted.
She and her team mentioned at least 30 demands to start work again after the actors strike.
Lively played Lily Bloom in the movie and, as per her complaint, her contract forced her to focus “more on Lily's strength and resilience as opposed to describing the film as a story about domestic violence".
Justin Baldoni built ‘multi-tiered plan’ to tarnish Blake Lively’s image
Blake Lively said she was asked to present the film not as “sad or heavy …” but as “a story of hope,” which ultimately attracted backlash for her.
On the other hand, Justin Baldoni received praise for his promotions as he talked more about the movie’s serious content.
The complaint added that “what the public also did not know was that this was the beginning of a multi-tiered plan that Mr Baldoni and his team described as ‘social manipulation’ designed to ‘destroy’ Ms Lively’s reputation.”
“That plan was backed by virtually unlimited resources,” the lawsuit claimed.
In a statement, the ‘A Simple Favor’ actress said, “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
Justin Baldoni hits back at allegations, calls them ‘outrageous’
But Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has called the accusations “false.”
He said, “It is shameful that Ms Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its representatives as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions.”
“These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media,” the lawyer added.
