Celebrity Lineup Revealed in Lively v. Baldoni Lawsuit: Affleck, Damon, Wintour
The ongoing legal battle between actress Blake Lively and her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni has intensified with the release of personal communications. This disclosure exposed Hollywood’s elite, including Taylor Swift, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon, to public scrutiny.
Key Developments in the Case
The release of emails and text messages occurred this week, with many communications dating back to 2024, the year the film premiered. Lively alleges a toxic work environment and instances of sexual harassment by Baldoni. She frequently consulted her friends about her challenges on set and sought their advice regarding film edits.
- Communications include messages between Lively and Taylor Swift.
- Lively claims Baldoni knew about her plans to file a civil rights complaint.
- Swift referred to Baldoni as a “bitch” in their discussions.
Support from Hollywood Friends
Anna Wintour, former Vogue editor-in-chief, expressed her support for Lively in a text message. She described “It Ends With Us” as a “very brave and moving film,” indicating her awareness of the ongoing conflict. During this time, Lively also reached out to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
- Lively described her on-set experience as “the most upsetting” of her career to Affleck.
- She requested support for her edit of the film, citing Baldoni’s lack of experience.
- Damon responded positively, extending an invitation to collaborate on future projects.
Allegations Against Baldoni
Lively accused Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Among the unsealed texts, Baldoni shared a controversial social media post alleging bullying by Hailey Bieber and instructed his publicist on how to manage the narrative.
Actress Jenny Slate also shared her negative sentiments toward Baldoni, calling him a “false ally” and expressing concern for Lively’s situation. She found Baldoni’s behavior deeply unsettling.
Comparisons to High-Profile Legal Cases
Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, likened their conflict with Baldoni to the much-publicized lawsuit between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. He cautioned against remaining passive in the face of the unfolding drama, highlighting the potential repercussions of inaction.
Background of the Lawsuit
More than a year has passed since Lively disclosed her allegations against Baldoni. In her original complaint to the California Civil Rights Department, she detailed experiences of sexual harassment. A federal lawsuit followed, targeting Baldoni, his publicist, and Wayfarer Studios for retaliatory actions.
Baldoni has filed a countersuit and sought legal action against the New York Times for its reporting, both of which have been dismissed. Lively’s case continues, with a judge recently hearing arguments on Baldoni’s motion to dismiss. A trial date is set for May 18, 2024.
This ongoing legal saga has captured the attention of media outlets and fans alike, drawing in prominent figures from the entertainment industry. The unfolding events promise further revelations as the case progresses.
