Justin Baldoni shared a behind-the-scenes clip to refute Lively’s statements – her team countered.
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively appeared together in front of the camera for the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller “It Ends With Us”. But since then they have been railing against each other – in the form of accusations, lawsuits and alleged smear campaigns. After Baldoni last published a “behind the scenes” video on January 16th with which he wanted to justify himself, Lively is now also countering.
She wants to talk, he wants to snog
The footage shared by Baldoni shows a scene in which Lively and Baldoni are said to be dancing with each other in each other’s arms. As they move slowly, the two discuss how the scene is going, with Baldoni repeatedly trying to initiate a kiss and Lively insisting that the two should talk to keep the audience on edge. Baldoni agrees, but then nuzzles her neck. He later comments on the gesture with the words: “I just lost myself.” Lively then tries to make it clear that talking would be “more romantic”.
The “Behind the Scenes” video published by Baldoni:
This is how Baldoni wants to justify himself…
Baldoni released the nearly 10-minute video saying it would prove his co-star Lively’s sexual harassment allegations were unfounded. “Both actors behave clearly within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism,” reads the statement from Baldoni’s team, among others, in the opening credits of the published clip
… but Lively interprets the video differently
But Lively interprets the published footage completely differently. In a statement to MailOnline, Lively’s rep claims the video footage vindicates her side: “Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest ploy pre-empts the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning.” Baldoni’s improvised scenes, which can be seen in the video, apparently took place without prior consultation or Lively’s consent. Additionally, no intimacy coordinator appeared to have attended the filming of this scene.
The statement continues from Lively’s side: “Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively’s co-star, but also the director, the head of the studio and Ms. Lively’s boss. Any woman who has ever been touched inappropriately in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort. You will recognize her attempts to cover up the unwanted touches with ease.”
The statement concludes with these words: “No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by her employer without her consent.”
First she sued him, then he sued her
The video was preceded by some accusations. In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni for “inappropriate and unwelcome conduct.” The 37-year-old also accuses Baldoni of character assassination. Baldoni countersued on January 16th with a countersuit directed not only at Lively, but also against her husband. Baldoni accuses the couple of civil extortion and defamation, among other things.