In a dramatic turn of events, Justin Baldoni's legal team has released unedited footage from the set of "It Ends With Us" to counter Blake Lively's allegations of sexual harassment. Following her $400 million lawsuit against Baldoni and her husband Ryan Reynolds, this footage aims to refute Lively's claims about inappropriate behavior during a slow-dance scene. The video, shared by Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman, captures nearly 10 minutes of raw footage that allegedly demonstrates mutual respect and professionalism between the actors. Meanwhile, Lively's legal team stands firm, accusing Baldoni of using age-old tactics to deflect responsibility.
Baldoni Releases Footage to Discredit Harassment Claims
Justin Baldoni's legal strategy involves releasing unedited footage from the film set to challenge Blake Lively's accusations. The footage, obtained by Fox News Digital, includes a conversation where Baldoni allegedly made comments that Lively found inappropriate. However, Baldoni's team insists that these interactions were professional and within the context of the scene. The footage shows Baldoni directing Lively in a romantic scene, with both actors engaged in light-hearted banter about makeup and filming logistics. This release is part of Baldoni's broader effort to counter the serious allegations made by Lively.
The video highlights moments that Baldoni's team believes demonstrate mutual respect and professionalism on set. During the scene in question, Baldoni and Lively discuss ways to make the interaction more authentic, with Baldoni jokingly commenting on spray tan and body makeup. The footage also includes Lively laughing and responding in kind, suggesting a collegial atmosphere. According to Baldoni's legal statement, the scene was designed to portray characters falling in love, and both actors behaved appropriately. The team asserts that Lively's characterization of Baldoni's actions is misleading and lacks context.
Lively's Team Responds with Accusations of Deflection and Blame Shifting
Blake Lively's legal representatives have vehemently criticized Baldoni's lawsuit, labeling it as an attempt to reverse victim-blaming. They argue that Baldoni's actions follow a pattern seen in many cases of sexual harassment, where the accuser is discredited to divert attention from the allegations. Lively's team accuses Baldoni of using well-worn tactics to undermine her credibility, rather than addressing the core issues raised in her complaint. The lawsuit, they claim, is a desperate move to shift focus away from Lively's evidence of harassment.
Lively's complaint details multiple instances of alleged misconduct, including discussions about nudity, personal experiences, and inappropriate comments about her appearance. Her team argues that these behaviors created a hostile work environment. In response to Baldoni's claim that Lively fabricated the allegations to repair her public image, Lively's representatives insist that she has concrete evidence of harassment and retaliation. They describe Baldoni's legal action as an attempt to silence her by portraying her as the aggressor. The controversy surrounding "It Ends With Us" continues to escalate, with both parties firmly entrenched in their positions.