Blake Lively has shared new details in her ongoing legal battle against Justin Baldoni, explaining her decision to include her husband, Ryan Reynolds, in a January 4 meeting addressing alleged workplace misconduct. The dispute stems from Lively’s accusations of s*xual harassment and a toxic work environment during the production of It Ends With Us, a film directed by and co-starring Baldoni.
In her initial lawsuit filed on December 20, Lively alleged that Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath created a hostile work environment. A subsequent New Year’s Eve filing expanded on these claims and clarified why Reynolds attended the meeting.
“Ms. Lively also had the agreed-upon right to have a representative present,” her latest lawsuit states. “She chose her husband, given that the meeting was about repeated s*xual harassment and other disturbing behavior by Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath”, reported by the Daily Mail.
The meeting, described by Lively as an “all-hands” gathering to address workplace concerns, reportedly involved Baldoni, Heath, and other members of the production team. Lively asserts that Reynolds’ presence was entirely within her legal rights and reflects her commitment to addressing the allegations transparently.
However, Baldoni’s account significantly differs. In his $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times—filed the same day as Lively’s New Year’s Eve complaint—Baldoni claims he was “blindsided” by Lively and Reynolds during the meeting at the couple’s New York penthouse.
Baldoni alleges the encounter became a “traumatic” confrontation. According to his filing, Reynolds accused him of several offenses against Lively, including “fat shaming,” and engaged in a tirade. “Reynolds launched into a tirade, berating Baldoni in what Baldoni later described as a ‘traumatic’ encounter, stating he had ‘never been spoken to like that in his life,’” the lawsuit states.
Baldoni contends the meeting was intended to discuss filming logistics but devolved into a heated exchange. Despite the conflicting narratives, the lawsuits highlight deep tensions surrounding the production of It Ends With Us.
Lively and Reynolds, married for over a decade and parents to four children, are widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s power couples. Their strong partnership has been a cornerstone of Lively’s response to the alleged incidents, reflecting her determination to seek accountability while navigating a challenging professional situation.