Jenny Slate has publicly expressed her support for her It Ends with Us co-star Blake Lively after Lively filed a legal complaint accusing Justin Baldoni, the film’s director and co-star, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
In a statement, Slate praised Lively’s courage and called her a “loyal friend” and “trusted source of emotional support.” She stated, “As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation. Blake is a leader, loyal friend, and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.”
Slate continued by describing the alleged actions against Lively as “terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening.” She added, “I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
In the film, Slate portrays Allysa, the sister of Baldoni’s character and sister-in-law to Lively’s character. It Ends with Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, explores themes of domestic abuse as Lively’s character, Lily, confronts the cycles of violence in her relationship.
Allegations and Legal Complaint
Lively’s complaint, filed on December 20, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment during the film’s production and of participating in a retaliatory public relations campaign to damage her reputation ahead of the film’s release. The legal action also names Jamey Heath, lead producer on It Ends with Us and CEO of Wayfarer Studios, the production company co-founded by Baldoni. The complaint alleges that Heath and Baldoni engaged in “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior.”
The complaint further accuses public relations executive Jennifer Abel, crisis management expert Melissa Nathan, and Nathan’s company, The Agency Group, of crafting and executing the alleged smear campaign.
In her statement regarding the complaint, Lively expressed hope that her legal action would expose retaliatory tactics and protect others from similar experiences. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” Lively said.
Responses from Baldoni’s Representatives
Bryan Freedman, an attorney representing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others named in the complaint, has denied Lively’s allegations, calling them “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” Freedman argued that the accusations were part of a “desperate attempt to fix” Lively’s public reputation.
The Agency Group also responded, stating that its involvement in the film’s promotional efforts was limited and that audience reactions were “organic” and unrelated to any planned campaigns.
Support from Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends with Us, voiced her support for Lively via social media, writing, “You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Controversy Surrounding the Film
The movie, set to release on August 9, has faced criticism for allegedly romanticizing domestic abuse, a contentious topic also raised with the book’s original release. Speculation about tension between Lively and Baldoni grew after the two stars were not seen promoting the film together, further fueling the controversy surrounding the project.
Amid the allegations and public scrutiny, Lively has continued to receive widespread support from her colleagues and fans, with many commending her for speaking out.
