Blake Lively Addresses Justin Baldoni Concerns in ‘It Ends With Us’
Blake Lively has raised concerns regarding director Justin Baldoni during the production of their film, “It Ends With Us.” Recent court documents reveal significant differences between Lively and Baldoni, leading her to create an alternative cut of the film. Lively’s dissatisfaction stems from claims that Baldoni’s version marginalized female characters and glorified abusive behavior.
Allegations Against Justin Baldoni
In a court declaration, Lively expressed her refusal to promote the film alongside Baldoni or producer Jamey Heath. She claimed that they retaliated against her after her complaints, portraying her as a bully. Lively stated, “They painted themselves as the victims and me as a bully.” She has filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, the producers, and the publicists for harassment and retaliation.
Details from Court Documents
The unsealed documents include testimonies from Lively, Jenny Slate, and Isabela Ferrer, highlighting numerous unsettling incidents. Key points from the testimonies are as follows:
- Jenny Slate’s Testimony: Slate, who portrays Lively’s best friend, reported Baldoni making inappropriate remarks about Lively’s appearance, calling her “hot” and “sexy.” She warned him about these comments, which he dismissed.
- Isabela Ferrer’s Experience: Ferrer, who played the younger version of Lively’s character, recalled an inappropriate comment by Baldoni during a sensitive scene: “I’m not supposed to say this, but that was hot.”
- Lively’s Concerns: Lively critiqued Baldoni’s decisions regarding the inclusion of overtly sexual scenes and expressed discomfort with personal comments he made about her clothing and physical appearance.
Creative Differences and Concerns About Portrayal
According to Lively, she feared the film’s adaptation would lose the essence of female empowerment found in the original narrative by Colleen Hoover. Hoover also testified, emphasizing that audiences prefer emotional depth over explicit sexual content. She stated that most viewers want love stories rich in emotions, not merely sexual scenes.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
A trial is scheduled for May 18. Baldoni’s legal team has sought to dismiss Lively’s case, labeling her complaints as minor grievances. A hearing regarding this motion will occur shortly. Judge Lewis Liman has ordered the release of substantial evidence from both parties, but Baldoni’s documents are still under wraps.
As these events unfold, the discussions surrounding “It Ends With Us” will likely continue to highlight critical issues within the film industry regarding harassment and the treatment of female characters in storytelling.
