Blake Lively has responded publicly to the recent release of unedited footage from her film *It Ends With Us*,
after she accused co-star and director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment.
The footage, which was exclusively shared by *DailyMail.com*, reveals three takes of a dance scene between Lively, 37, and Baldoni, 40.
Lively’s legal team claims the video proves that she felt uncomfortable during the filming of the scene, supporting the accusations she made in her lawsuit against Baldoni.
In a statement to *DailyMail.com*, Lively’s legal team described the footage as damning, asserting that it shows Baldoni engaging in inappropriate physical behavior toward Lively.
According to Lively’s team, none of the intimate interactions in the scene were choreographed, and Baldoni acted without prior discussion or the presence of an intimacy coordinator.
The video, which shows the pair laughing and joking in between takes, contrasts sharply with the legal claims Lively made in her civil rights complaint. Her legal team claims that Baldoni’s actions were not part of the scripted scene but were improvised, with no prior consent from Lively. Lively herself has stated that during the filming, she repeatedly leaned away from Baldoni, a move she says was not part of the scene but a reflection of her discomfort.
Lively’s legal representatives also pointed out that the footage reveals how Baldoni repeatedly tried to initiate physical intimacy, including telling Lively she “smelled so good” and caressing her, actions that Lively says were unwelcome. In the statement, Lively’s team noted that every frame of the footage aligned with the description of events outlined in her lawsuit, specifically the uncomfortable nature of the scene and the lack of prior consent for the physical interactions.
The footage also includes an exchange in which Lively, while discussing the scene, mentions how she would prefer the characters to just talk rather than engage in physical intimacy. Lively’s team claims this dialogue shows her attempts to deflect unwanted advances, highlighting her efforts to keep the scene professional. The team further contends that Baldoni’s actions were unethical, and that the release of the video is another attempt to manipulate public perception and downplay the seriousness of the harassment claims.
The footage, while not directly supporting the harassment accusations, does show the two actors engaging in friendly conversation before the takes. The two actors laugh about various topics, including Baldoni’s nose and their spouses, and seem to have a cordial relationship before the dance scene. However, Lively’s legal team argues that this friendly banter was quickly overshadowed by Baldoni’s inappropriate behavior during the filming of the scene.
Baldoni’s legal team, in response, has denied the harassment allegations, claiming that the footage does not support Lively’s version of events. Baldoni has expressed that he has nothing to hide and that the footage has been taken out of context. However, Lively’s team insists that the video only serves to confirm her claims of discomfort and manipulation by Baldoni during the filming process.
The ongoing legal battle has drawn significant public attention, with the release of the footage adding fuel to the fire. Lively’s lawsuit, filed just before Christmas, accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, while also alleging that Baldoni orchestrated a negative publicity campaign against her. The case has continued to escalate, with Baldoni filing his own defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of attempting to sabotage his career.
As the legal conflict continues, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with the public eagerly awaiting further developments. Lively’s legal team has made it clear that they will pursue their case in court, asserting that Baldoni’s actions were not only inappropriate but also a violation of Lively’s rights as a professional on set. The release of the footage has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding both actors, and the case promises to have lasting implications for the entertainment industry’s approach to workplace harassment and consent.
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