Actor Justin Baldoni, recently honored with the Voices of Solidarity Award by the global non-profit Vital Voices, finds himself at the center of controversy after being accused by his It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively, of sexual harassment and a smear campaign to damage her reputation.
According to the reports of Leaders team, Vital Voices, which empowers women and celebrates men advocating for gender equality, announced Monday that it had rescinded the award following a legal complaint filed by Lively alleging “abhorrent conduct” by Baldoni, his studio, and his crisis management team. The organization stated that the accusations were “contrary to the values” it upholds.
The Allegations
Lively’s legal complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department, accuses Baldoni and a producer on the film of repeated sexual harassment and “disturbing behavior.” It also outlines a meeting where Lively presented 30 demands aimed at addressing their alleged misconduct to continue production. These included refraining from mentioning Baldoni’s “pornography addiction,” avoiding descriptions of genitalia, and ensuring no intimate scenes were added beyond those she approved in the script.
According to the complaint, when her concerns were raised, Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios allegedly launched a coordinated retaliation campaign. This involved hiring a crisis manager who orchestrated a “sophisticated, coordinated, and well-financed” effort to tarnish her reputation, including deploying a “digital army” to post inauthentic content online.
Baldoni’s Defense
As per the sources of Leaders team, Baldoni’s legal team has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “intentionally salacious” and an effort to damage his public image. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, claimed Lively made numerous demands and threats, including refusing to show up on set or promote the film if her conditions were not met. Freedman described the claims as false and designed to rehash a damaging narrative in the media.
Fallout
The Voices of Solidarity Award, presented to Baldoni earlier this month in New York by comedian Hasan Minhaj, celebrated men who advocate for women and girls. Baldoni, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the need to teach boys the values of empathy, vulnerability, and sensitivity. Following the allegations, Vital Voices swiftly revoked the award and informed Baldoni of their decision.
Additionally, Liz Plank, Baldoni’s co-host on The Man Enough podcast, announced her departure from the show, citing the allegations. The podcast, which explores masculinity, relationships, and mental health, has since faced criticism for its association with Baldoni.
The Bigger Picture
In the romantic drama It Ends With Us, Lively and Baldoni portray a couple navigating the dynamics of an abusive relationship. The allegations and ongoing legal battle have cast a shadow over the film, with its production and release now embroiled in controversy.
As the case unfolds, it raises significant questions about accountability in the entertainment industry, the ethics of crisis management, and the impact of public perception on careers and advocacy work.
