In a significant development within the entertainment industry, actress Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, according to BBC reports. The legal action, filed on Friday (December 20), contains serious allegations of misconduct on the film’s set.
The situation came to a head during a critical meeting on January 4, where the production team gathered to address what Lively described as “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior” occurring during filming. The meeting resulted in Lively presenting a comprehensive list of 30 demands that she insisted must be implemented before production could continue.
These demands, which have been made public through legal documents shared by the New York Times, reveal deeply concerning allegations about the work environment on set. Among the most striking requirements were the cessation of showing nude videos or images to Lively and her employees, the prohibition of unauthorized physical contact, and the mandatory presence of an intimacy coordinator during certain scenes.
The demands also included strict protocols regarding the filming of intimate scenes, the handling of COVID-19 exposure notifications, and the implementation of proper safety measures during scenes involving sensitive content. Particularly notable was Lively’s request for her spouse, Ryan Reynolds, to be present at a meeting to establish these new guidelines.
Some of the more unsettling demands addressed alleged inappropriate behavior, including requests to stop discussions about personal sexual experiences, unauthorized physical touching, and improper comments about religious beliefs. The lawsuit also mentions concerning incidents involving unauthorized trailer entry and inappropriate personal meetings.
The legal documents detail requirements for proper production oversight, including the engagement of experienced producers and the implementation of strict protocols for scenes involving nudity or simulated intimate content. Lively also demanded protection against retaliation for raising these concerns.
In response to these allegations, Baldoni’s legal representative, Bryan Freedman, has issued a strong denial. He characterized the accusations as “shameful” and “categorically false,” suggesting that Lively’s claims are “intentionally salacious” and aimed at causing public harm. Freedman further alleged that Lively had made various threats, including potential non-participation in promotional activities, which could impact the film’s release.
As this situation continues to develop, it has sparked important discussions about workplace safety and professional boundaries in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the filming of intimate scenes and the protection of actors’ rights on set.