Justin Baldoni’s legal team has released a series of video clips from the production of It Ends With Us on Tuesday, continuing their defense against accusations of sexual harassment made by co-star Blake Lively earlier this month. Lively, who is also a producer on the film, filed a lawsuit alleging harassment and retaliation by Baldoni during filming, including claims of inappropriate conduct during a pivotal slow-dance scene meant to depict the blossoming romance between their characters.
In the lawsuit, Lively accuses Baldoni of making an inappropriate comment while filming the scene, where he allegedly “leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear and down her neck” before saying, “It smells so good.” In response, Baldoni’s legal team released three takes from the sequence, which they argue shows the actors performing professionally and respectfully. A title card accompanying the footage reads, “Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism.”
However, Lively’s representatives dispute this interpretation. In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, they argue that the footage substantiates Lively’s claims, highlighting her visible discomfort as Baldoni attempts to kiss and caress her. “Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort,” Lively’s team said, asserting that her reactions and attempts to deflect the unwanted attention were apparent in the video. “No woman should have to take defensive measures to avoid being touched by their employer without their consent.”
The released footage also showcases a moment where Lively and Baldoni appear to disagree on how to portray the romantic scene. As Baldoni moves in for a kiss, Lively hesitates, suggesting that the scene would be more romantic if the characters were “dancing and talking” instead of engaging in a kiss. Baldoni counters by referencing his own relationship with his wife, Emily, and making light of the situation, joking that Lively would find his relationship dynamic “terrifying.”
Baldoni filed his own lawsuit against Lively last week, accusing her of being “unable to take direction” and of breaking character during the filming of the slow-dance sequence. In his suit, Baldoni claims that Lively’s behavior was disruptive and unprofessional.
The newly released video footage does seem to depict the controversial interaction Lively previously referenced, showing Baldoni nuzzling her neck and making an offhand remark: “Am I getting beard on you today?” Lively laughs and responds, “I’m probably getting spray-tan on you,” to which Baldoni says, “It smells good.” Lively’s lawsuit claims this moment was a breach of professional conduct, describing Baldoni’s actions as “caressing with his mouth” in a way that had no connection to their roles.
Lively’s team also criticized the release of the footage, calling it a “stunt” and an attempt to manipulate public opinion. They accused Baldoni of improvising the scene without prior discussion or consent, and pointed out the absence of an intimacy coordinator during filming.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, both sides remain firm in their respective positions, with Lively’s team describing the released footage as damaging evidence and Baldoni’s team asserting that it demonstrates their professionalism during production. The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant implications for workplace conduct in the film industry, particularly regarding consent and harassment prevention during intimate scenes.
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