Los Angeles — Actor and director Justin Baldoni has been terminated by his talent agency, WME, following allegations of sexual harassment made by Blake Lively, his co-star in the film “It Ends With Us.” The agency confirmed their decision to part ways with Baldoni on Saturday, a day after Lively filed a lawsuit against him.
Blake Lively, who remains a client of WME, has accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment that she claims led to severe emotional distress during the production of the film. Lively also served as an executive producer on the project, which featured her in the role of protagonist Lily Bloom.
The allegations surfaced publicly on December 20, when Lively took legal action against Baldoni, detailing inappropriate behavior including the showing of nude images and discussing sexual exploits on set. The move came after a reported rift between Lively and Baldoni had already attracted media attention.
In response to the allegations, a January meeting was convened on the film’s set to address the complaints. The meeting was attended by Lively, Baldoni, and other crew members, including Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. During the discussion, Lively demanded an end to the inappropriate behaviors, which she outlined in her lawsuit.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has publicly denied the allegations, suggesting that Lively’s actions were motivated by an attempt to salvage her own reputation. Freedman described the accusations as “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”
Furthermore, Lively has alleged that Baldoni’s team engaged in “astroturfing,” a practice aimed at covertly sponsoring a message or a campaign to discredit her. These allegations have intensified the dispute, with legal and public relations strategies being deployed by both parties.
In her defense, Lively expressed hopes that her legal challenge would shine a light on such retaliatory practices against individuals who report misconduct. This remark was part of a statement she made to reporters in December, where she denied that she was spreading negative information about Baldoni.
The case has drawn significant media coverage due to the high profile of both Lively and Baldoni and the serious nature of the allegations. Representatives for neither Lively nor Baldoni responded to requests for comments as of the latest updates.
Both Lively and Baldoni are well-known figures in Hollywood, making the case particularly noteworthy. Lively has been known for her roles in various successful projects and her advocacy on different issues, while Baldoni has gained recognition not only as an actor but also as a director and producer in the industry.
This story reflects a broader dialogue within the film industry and beyond about workplace conduct, harassment, and the mechanisms for addressing such grievances in high-stakes environments.
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