Blake Lively’s Amended Complaint: Additional Allegations and New Defendants
Background
Blake Lively’s amended complaint against her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni and other defendants details a series of new accusations in addition to her original claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, and infliction of emotional distress. The 141-page document, filed in New York federal court, provides significant additional evidence and corroboration of the plaintiff’s initial allegations.
New Allegations
- Uncomfortable Experiences of Other Actresses: Lively’s complaint claims that two other actresses involved with the film are willing to share their own experiences with Baldoni, which they found uncomfortable on set. These allegations support Lively’s contention that Baldoni’s behavior was not isolated but rather part of a pattern.
- Witness Intimidation: Lively alleges that witnesses who have spoken out in support of her claims have been subjected to threats, harassment, and intimidation. This culture of fear has prevented some individuals from coming forward publicly.
- Defamation Claim: The amended complaint includes a new claim for defamation, based on the defendants’ repeated false statements about Lively. Baldoni and his team have accused the actress of making false allegations and have attempted to discredit her character.
Corroborating Evidence
Lively’s complaint includes substantial contemporaneous evidence to support her original claims:
- Internal Communications: The document includes previously undisclosed communications between Lively, representatives of Sony and Wayfarer, and other witnesses. These communications provide a firsthand account of the concerns raised about Baldoni’s behavior.
- Threats of Retaliation: The complaint details threats and harassment faced by Lively and innocent bystanders as a result of the defendants’ retaliatory campaign.
- Evidence of Crisis Management: Lively alleges that Baldoni and Wayfarer employed a crisis management team, digital manipulation experts, and litigators to plan and execute a smear campaign against her. This evidence suggests that the defendants were aware of the allegations and attempted to suppress them.
Investigation Findings
According to Lively’s complaint, the internal investigation conducted by Wayfarer Studios was insufficient and biased:
- Delayed Investigation: The investigation was not initiated until two years after the initial complaints were made, providing ample time for evidence to be concealed or manipulated.
- Focus on Retaliation: Wayfarer allegedly chose to focus on discrediting the accusers rather than investigating the allegations of sexual harassment.
- Expected Biased Outcome: The complaint anticipates that the investigation’s results will be biased, as it was conducted by the defendants themselves.
Counterclaims and Gag Order
In response to the amended complaint, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has characterized the allegations as hearsay. Baldoni has filed a separate lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. Additionally, Baldoni has released unedited footage from the set of "It Ends with Us" that he claims refutes Lively’s accusations.
Lively’s legal team has demanded a gag order be issued against Baldoni’s lawyer, arguing that his public statements are prejudicial to the case. However, a judge has ordered that both parties must follow the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which limit extrajudicial statements.
Public Reaction
Lively and Reynolds made their first public appearance together since the lawsuit was filed at "Saturday Night Live’s" 50th-anniversary show. Reynolds appeared to make a joking reference to the legal drama, prompting questions from Baldoni’s lawyer about the appropriateness of such humor in light of the allegations.
Conclusion
Blake Lively’s amended complaint provides a more detailed account of the alleged misconduct on the set of "It Ends With Us." With additional allegations, corroborating evidence, and a new claim for defamation, Lively aims to strengthen her case against Justin Baldoni and other defendants. The defendants have denied the allegations and filed counterclaims. The ongoing legal drama has sparked public debate about sexual harassment, retaliation, and the role of investigations in holding perpetrators accountable.
