Justin Baldoni clarifies he did not sexually harass Blake Lively in new raw footage from their film “It Ends With Us.”
The 10-minute clip captures a romantic dance scene where the co-stars are seen laughing and improvising small talk for different takes.
Recently, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for defamation and extortion. Lively’s legal team responded to the lawsuit by labeling it as “desperate.”
In December, Lively filed a federal sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit referenced a dance scene featured in the newly released video where Baldoni allegedly behaved inappropriately towards Lively.
Addressing the media, Lively’s legal team criticized Baldoni’s behind-the-scenes video, calling it a “manufactured media stunt” that aligns with Lively’s accusations in her complaint.
Baldoni, who also directed the film, has sued the New York Times for defamation, seeking $250 million in damages.
Lively accused Baldoni of creating unscripted physical intimacy, including an unplanned nude scene, without an intimacy coordinator. Baldoni’s lawyer claimed that Lively used her influence to exclude him from the film’s premiere.
Furthermore, Baldoni suggested that Reynolds’ character in “Deadpool & Wolverine” was created to mock him.
The unfolding legal battle between the actors has attracted media attention, with TMZ being the first to report on the story.
In their response to Lively’s allegations, Baldoni’s attorney asserted that the released footage supported Lively’s version of events. They emphasized the importance of consent and the presence of an intimacy coordinator on set.
While the legal process continues, both parties are engaged in a public dispute through the media.
Editor’s note: This revised article includes excerpts from the response issued by Lively’s legal team, clarifying the ongoing legal battle between the actors in the context of their allegations and counterclaims.
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