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Blake Lively took a significant step in her legal battle by filing an amended complaint on Tuesday against her co-star Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and several executives. This complaint introduces alarming new allegations that include secret recordings of women and unsettling comparisons to Hamas.
In November, Lively initially sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation in the wake of the film “It Ends With Us” after months of distressing experiences. Her January lawsuit accused Baldoni of causing her emotional turmoil. Baldoni has denied all allegations and countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, seeking $400 million for civil extortion and defamation.
The newly filed amended complaint spans 141 pages and presents four particularly shocking claims against Baldoni and others.
Lively asserts that multiple actresses felt uncomfortable around Baldoni, including disturbing allegations he secretly recorded them. In her complaint, she recounted, “The two women then recounted their discomfort with their experiences with Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Jamey Heath, the executive producer of ‘It Ends With Us.’ One incident involved Baldoni secretly recording the actresses, while another saw him making inappropriate comments regarding a female cast member’s attire.”
Notably, Lively recalled a moment when Baldoni asked her directly if he had crossed a line. Lively responded affirmatively, prompting Baldoni to make a joke about missing the sexual harassment meeting.
In her conversations with a mutual friend, Lively described both Baldoni and Heath as “creeps,” expressing her displeasure and discomfort in vivid terms. Her complaint states, “I was gonna invite you to set tomorrow. These people. Whoa … It’s like HR nuts today. The both of them… I cried when I got home after today.”
She emphasized how their behavior was unwelcome, stating, “Keep your hormones to yourselves. This is not mine. I don’t want it. I don’t want your gaze or words or tongue or videos of your naked wife. It’s shocking. Clowns.”
In a shocking turn, Steve Sarowitz, co-founder and co-chairman of Wayfarer, allegedly made grave threats regarding Lively and her husband. Allegedly, he stated that if Lively or Reynolds ever “crossed the line,” he would retaliate severely. He is quoted as saying, “I will protect the studio like Israel protected itself from Hamas.”
In a chilling narrative, he added that his approach would not merely be punitive but destructive. Sarowitz allegedly vowed to invest heavily in ensuring that they faced dire consequences, indicating a willingness to expend significant resources towards that aim.
Lively’s legal team, consisting of attorneys Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, remarked that the amended complaint contains substantial evidence corroborating that Lively was not alone in raising allegations against Baldoni. They noted that the complaint illustrates numerous threats, harassment, and intimidation not only directed at Lively but also affecting innocent bystanders amid a retaliatory campaign.
Following the latest allegations, a representative for Lively pointed out that many women on set felt compelled to remain silent due to fears regarding public perception. The specific identities of the actresses involved are kept confidential to protect them amid ongoing harassment.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, characterized Lively’s allegations as mere hearsay. He asserted, “Our clients have been transparent in providing receipts, real-time documents, and video showing a completely different story.” Freedman suggested that Lively’s complaint is filled with vague hearsay from unnamed sources unwilling to come forward.
The case takes on significant weight as it underscores the ever-present issue of workplace safety and respect in the film industry. The allegations brought forth by Lively highlight the challenges faced by many women who feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their work environments.
As the situation unfolds, attention will undoubtedly remain on the responses from Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, as well as the evolving nature of the case as it approaches trial. The public remains eagerly awaiting further developments in this contentious high-profile legal drama.
As this case progresses, the media will closely monitor the implications it could have on Hollywood, particularly how such allegations may inspire other women to speak out against misconduct. The consequences of this case may extend well beyond the courtroom, as it calls into question the accountability of individuals in positions of power.