“It Ends With Us” studio Sony Pictures has released a statement following star Blake Lively‘s bombshell allegations accusing director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and trying to tarnish her reputation with a targeted social media campaign.
“We have previously expressed our support for Blake in connection with her work on and for the film. We fully and firmly reiterate that support today,” a Sony Pictures Entertainment spokesperson said in a statement. “Further, we strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her. Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society.”
In a complaint filed over the weekend, Lively alleges that Baldoni’s behavior caused her and her family “severe emotional harm.” Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman called Lively’s complaint “shameful” and full of “categorically false accusations.”
Sony joins the growing voices speaking out in support of Lively. Her “It Ends With Us” co-star Brandon Sklenar shared her complaint on his Instagram Story, writing, “For the love of God, read this,” and tagging Lively alongside a red heart emoji.
“These are startling and troubling allegations. Employees have every right to raise issues of concern or to file complaints. Retaliation for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior is illegal and wrong,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. “We applaud Blake Lively’s courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set.”
in the aftermath, Baldoni has been dropped as a client by WME, who also represents Lively, and his “Man Enough” podcast co-host Liz Plank departed the series on Monday, writing on social media, “We all deserve better, and I know that together, we can create it. I will have more to share soon as I continue to process everything that has happened. In the meantime, I will continue to support everyone who calls out injustice and holds the people standing in their way accountable.”
Author Colleen Hoover of “It Ends With Us” also shared a photo of herself hugging Lively, writing, “You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Lively’s “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” co-stars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel, A Simple Favor” director Paul Feig, Amber Heard, and Lively’s sister Robyn have all similarly shared supportive messages in the wake of the allegations.
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