Justin Baldoni’s talent agency cut ties with him the same day Blake Lively sued him for sexual harassment and a smear campaign against her. As of the morning of Saturday, December 21, WME no longer represented the 40-year-old actor and director, per Deadline.
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According to the outlet, the decision to part ways with Baldoni stemmed, in part, from a complaint filed by his It Ends with Us co-star. The complaint alleges sexual harassment, among other accusations. Despite the controversy, Lively, 37, remains represented by WME.
Baldoni’s departure from WME follows closely on the heels of Lively’s complaint. The suit accused Baldoni of “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior” on the set of It Ends with Us, which he also directed.
The complaint, filed months after rumors of a feud between the costars, includes allegations against Baldoni, the production team, and others allegedly involved in the smear campaign against Lively.
Blake Lively’s Lawsuit Accuses Justin Baldoni of a ‘Shocking Lack of Boundaries’
The suit accuses Baldoni of “improvising” kisses and other physically intimate scenes in the film, incorporating “gratuitous sexual content,” and making numerous inappropriate, sexually charged comments.
The complaint alleges that the director exhibited a “shocking lack of boundaries,” repeatedly entering the actress’s trailer uninvited during moments of vulnerability. These included instances of Lively undressed or breastfeeding her infant child.
The complaint also claims that ahead of It Ends with Us‘ August premiere, Baldoni, worried Lively might share negative on-set experiences, assembled a team to boost his credibility and undermine her reputation.
However, Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, pushed back, explaining to TMZ that Lively’s lawsuit is an attempt to “fix her negative reputation.” He also stated that her allegations are “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt.”
Freedman also alleged that Lively created challenges during the film’s production. He told the outlet that Lively caused a stir by “threatening to not show up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release.”
Meanwhile, Lively issued a statement to The New York Times.
“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” she told the outlet.