Blake Lively Condemns Sexist Portrayal in Hollywood Reporter Cover Story
Background:
Actress Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against actor Justin Baldoni, alleging invasive and inappropriate behavior on the set of their film, "It Ends With Us." In response, The Hollywood Reporter published a cover story that depicted Lively as the aggressor.
Lively’s Criticism:
Lively has strongly criticized THR’s decision to portray her in this manner. In a statement released through her representative to Fox News Digital, she denounced the framing of the image, which shows her holding a slingshot while Baldoni appears to cower in front of her. Lively maintains that this portrayal perpetuates sexist tropes that victimize women who file workplace complaints.
She further criticized THR’s narrative, which she claims excuses Baldoni’s alleged misbehavior by attributing it to "cultural misunderstandings."
THR’s Response:
At the time of publication, representatives for The Hollywood Reporter did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Baldoni’s Lawsuit:
In a countersuit filed in January, Baldoni accused Lively of falsely accusing him of sexual harassment in an attempt to salvage her reputation following the negative reception to the film’s press tour. Baldoni’s legal team argues that Lively lacks evidence to support her claims and is instead shifting blame onto others.
Lively’s Rebuttal:
Lively has denied Baldoni’s accusations and filed an amended complaint, claiming that two additional female cast members are prepared to testify during the scheduled 2026 trial.
Legal Perspective:
Legal expert Heidi Reavis has observed that Lively may have the upper hand if multiple witnesses corroborate her version of events. Third-party testimony can significantly impact the credibility and validity of claims in cases involving subjective experiences.
Ongoing Controversy:
The lawsuit and the surrounding controversy continue to make headlines. Both Lively and Baldoni have presented their respective accounts of the situation, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. The outcome of the trial may have broader implications for how sexual harassment allegations are handled in the entertainment industry.
