Variety magazine has brought new details from the tumultuous behind the scenes of the literary adaptation
The allegations detail the tense atmosphere on set
Variety magazine has brought to light new details on the complaint filed by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni, director and co-star of “É Assim Que Acaba”. According to documents obtained by the publication, Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and of waging a campaign of manipulation to “destroy” her reputation. The complaint, filed with the California Department of Civil Rights, claims that Baldoni’s behavior caused “serious emotional harm” to the actress and her family.
A meeting held in January 2024 reportedly addressed the conditions for Lively’s return to filming after strikes by the actors’ and writers’ unions. Ryan Reynolds, the actress’ husband, attended the meeting.
Details of the charges
According to the documents, Baldoni made inappropriate comments about Lively’s weight to her trainer, discussed her sex life and pressured the actress to talk about her religious beliefs. Jamey Heath, the film’s producer and CEO of Wayfarer Studios, allegedly showed Lively a video of his wife giving birth, as well as entering the actress’ trailer without permission while she was breastfeeding.
Other allegations include discussions of “previous pornography addictions” and Baldoni’s attempts to add more sex scenes to the script, which the actress blocked. After Sony Pictures approved Lively’s requests, which included an independent producer and intimacy coordinators, Baldoni allegedly began a campaign of “social manipulation” to tarnish the actress’ image.
The documents denounce the defamation campaign
TAG, a public relations agency specializing in crisis management and image strategies, which has worked with artists such as Johnny Depp, Drake and Travis Scott, is named in the complaint as part of the defamation scheme against the actress.
The complaint includes 22 pages of emails and text messages between Baldoni, his public relations team and Melissa Nathan of the TAG agency. On one of the records, Baldoni’s publicist writes: “I want to hear that (Blake Lively) can be buried.” Nathan replied, “We cannot write that we will destroy it.”
The documents also reveal plans to publicly deny any allegations made by the actress, should they become public.
Baldoni’s defense
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, called the allegations “shameful” and “categorically false,” calling them an attempt to “repair the actress’s negative reputation.” Freedman further alleged that Lively made threats during production, including refusing to record or promote the film.
The director loses the agency
On Saturday (12/21), the WME agency, which represents Baldoni and Lively, announced the end of its collaboration with the director. The decision was made following a harassment and retaliation complaint filed by the actress on Friday (12/20).
The seriousness of the allegations motivated the agency’s immediate action. “Given the seriousness of the allegations in Lively’s complaint, the agency felt it was necessary to make a decision immediately,” a person familiar with the case told Variety.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
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