By Variety | Created at 2024-12-24 01:47:53 | Updated at 2024-12-26 21:18:32
2 days ago
“It Ends With Us” studio Sony Pictures has released a statement following star Blake Lively‘s bombshell allegations accusing director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her.
“We have previously expressed our support for Blake in connection with her work on and for the film. We fully and firmly reiterate that support today,” a Sony Pictures Entertainment spokesperson tells Variety. “Further, we strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her. Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society.”
Over the weekend, the New York Times reported that Lively filed a complaint accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, fostering a toxic work environment and trying to tarnish her reputation with a targeted smear campaign on social media. Lively alleges that Baldoni’s behavior caused her and her family “severe emotional harm.” Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman called Lively’s complaint “shameful” and full of “categorically false accusations.”
Sony joins the growing chorus of voices speaking out in support of Lively. Her “It Ends With Us” co-star Brandon Sklenar shared her complaint to his Instagram Story, writing “For the love of God read this” and tagging Lively alongside a red heart emoji.
“These are startling and troubling allegations. Employees have every right to raise issues of concern or to file complaints. Retaliation for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior is illegal and wrong,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. “We applaud Blake Lively’s courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set.”
Baldoni’s “Man Enough” podcast host Liz Plank announced her departure from the series on Monday, writing on social media, “We all deserve better, and I know that together, we can create it. I will have more to share soon as I continue to process everything that has happened. In the meantime, I will continue to support everyone who calls out injustice and holds the people standing in their way accountable.”
“It Ends With Us” author Colleen Hoover also shared a photo of herself hugging Lively, 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.”
Lively’s “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” co-stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel, A Simple Favor” director Paul Feig, Amber Heard and Lively’s sister Robyn have all similarly shared supportive messages in the wake of the allegations.
Baldoni has been dropped as a client by WME, who also represents Lively.
