In the ongoing legal conflict between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively,
the actor and director is making a new move to defend himself against the sexual harassment allegations Lively filed in December 2024.
On Tuesday, Baldoni’s legal team, led by attorney Bryan Freedman, announced plans to launch a website
that will feature key evidence meant to clear Baldoni’s name and refute Lively’s accusations regarding their interactions on the set of *It Ends With Us*.
Freedman emphasized the importance of transparency in their defense, stating, “Justin Baldoni and his team have nothing to hide.”
He continued, “The raw footage from the movie, which has already been released, proves this.” According to Freedman, the upcoming website will feature all relevant correspondence and videos, directly addressing and dismissing Lively’s claims.
The controversy began after Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging inappropriate behavior during a scene in the movie’s filming. Specifically, Lively claimed that Baldoni, during a slow-dance scene, leaned in close to her and dragged his lips down her neck while saying, “It smells so good.” However, Baldoni’s team disputes this version of events, pointing to the raw footage from the set as a clear indication of his respectful behavior.
In the video shared by Baldoni’s legal team, which was also sent to *The Post*, viewers can see Lively and Baldoni engaging in the slow dance as their characters. In the footage, Lively can be heard joking about potentially getting spray tan on Baldoni, to which he responds with laughter, saying, “It smells good.” This exchange, Baldoni’s representatives argue, completely contradicts Lively’s claims about the interaction and proves that their conduct was professional and within the boundaries of the scene.
Additionally, the video includes a title card that clarifies both actors’ respectful and professional behavior on set. “Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism,” the statement reads. The footage and accompanying message aim to dismantle Lively’s portrayal of events and to demonstrate that the alleged behavior was mischaracterized.
However, Lively’s legal team has not taken kindly to the release of this footage. In a statement to *The Post*, Lively’s representatives called the video “damning” and claimed it corroborates her allegations of harassment. “Releasing this video to the media, rather than presenting it as evidence in court, is another example of an unethical attempt to manipulate the public,” Lively’s team argued. They added that Baldoni’s actions in releasing the footage are part of a larger “harassment and retaliatory campaign” against Lively. “While they are focused on misleading media narratives, we are focused on the legal process,” the statement concluded.
The legal dispute first erupted when Lively filed a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Commission in December 2024. In her complaint, she accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed that he had orchestrated a smear campaign against her in retaliation for her allegations. Lively also provided details of the alleged harassment in a *New York Times* article, which further fueled the legal fire.
In response, Baldoni filed a $250 million lawsuit against *The New York Times* for libel and false light invasion of privacy, claiming that the publication misrepresented him in its coverage of the situation. That same day, Lively filed her own $250 million lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging that his actions caused her severe emotional distress, humiliation, and pain.
As both sides continue to battle it out in the courts, Baldoni’s decision to go public with this new evidence shows his commitment to clearing his name. The website, which is expected to launch soon, will likely play a crucial role in the ongoing legal drama, as both parties prepare for what could be a lengthy and contentious fight.
While the drama surrounding *It Ends With Us* continues to unfold, this legal battle highlights the intense personal and professional stakes involved. With both parties seeking to protect their reputations, the outcome of this case could have lasting implications for their careers. As the legal process moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the public’s perception of both actors evolves, and whether this dispute will ultimately be resolved in or outside the courtroom.
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