Blake Lively’s accusations of a smear campaign launched by her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni have found unexpected reinforcement in a lawsuit filed by his former publicist. The case, lodged in Manhattan, has added fresh fuel to the ongoing saga involving the Hollywood stars and their alleged off-screen feud.
A Publicist’s Lawsuit Sheds New Light
Stephanie Jones, who represented Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios starting in 2017, filed the lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and others on Tuesday. The lawsuit alleges that Baldoni and his team worked to “bury” and “destroy” Lively’s reputation to preempt fallout from claims of toxic and misogynistic behavior during the film’s production.
According to court documents, Jones accuses Jennifer Abel, a former employee at her firm, of participating in the smear campaign. Abel allegedly stole sensitive business documents before leaving to start her own publicity company, taking Baldoni and Wayfarer as clients. Jones further claims that Abel collaborated with Melissa Nathan, a crisis management expert who has previously represented Johnny Depp, to manipulate media narratives against Lively and Jones herself.
Allegations of Theft and Betrayal
Abel’s departure from Jones’s firm has become a central issue in the lawsuit. Jones asserts that Abel, before leaving, stole over 70 proprietary documents and client leads. These materials, Jones claims, were later used to undermine her business and assist in efforts to smear Lively.
In a striking twist, the lawsuit includes text messages retrieved from Abel’s company phone, which was returned upon her termination. These messages allegedly outline the campaign against Lively and Jones, revealing a coordinated effort to manage the fallout from allegations tied to Baldoni’s on-set behavior.
Abel has denied any wrongdoing, sharing messages with reporters in which she expressed respect and admiration for Jones, even calling her a mentor and family figure. She described her decision to leave as a graceful transition, devoid of ill will.
Blake Lively’s Complaint Raises the Stakes
Lively, 37, and her husband Ryan Reynolds have also taken legal steps, filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department earlier this month. The actress alleges that Baldoni and another producer engaged in repeated sexual harassment during the making of “It Ends With Us.” She accuses Baldoni of retaliation through a coordinated smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation.
The movie studio, represented by attorney Bryan Freedman, has categorically denied Lively’s claims. Freedman characterized the allegations as “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious,” maintaining that the studio only hired crisis management to address what he described as “multiple demands and threats” from Lively during production.
Behind the Scenes of a Hollywood Success
“It Ends With Us,” adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, became a box office success upon its August release, grossing nearly $350 million worldwide. While the film’s commercial performance drew praise, the controversies surrounding its production have cast a shadow over its achievements.
Baldoni, best known for his role in “Jane the Virgin” and his advocacy against traditional masculinity norms, now faces significant legal challenges that could impact both his career and reputation. Lively, celebrated for her roles in films like “The Age of Adaline” and her off-screen advocacy, has garnered support from fans and some industry figures for taking a stand against harassment.
Fallout and Implications for Hollywood
The allegations against Baldoni, combined with Jones’s lawsuit, underscore persistent issues in Hollywood regarding power dynamics and workplace behavior. While Baldoni’s legal team continues to refute the claims, the text messages and other evidence included in the lawsuit present a complex and troubling picture.
This legal battle may serve as a cautionary tale for the entertainment industry, where disputes often intertwine personal grievances with professional stakes. For Lively and Baldoni, the road ahead remains uncertain as their public and legal battles continue to unfold.
