Blake Lively's co-stars reach out over Justin Baldoni lawsuit
Blake Lively has been supported publicly by actors America Ferrera, Amber Tablyn and Alexis Bledel - all who she starred alongside in 2005 film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - following her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. The actress has taken legal action against Justin, whom she recently acted across from in It Ends With Us, for sexual harassment during the film's production.
The production, which was also directed by Justin and received mixed reviews, was infamous for off-screen clashes. However, Blake's former co-stars America, Amber and Alexis have released a joint statement defending their long-time friend.
They wrote: “As Blake’s friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,” the joint statement reads, released via Instagram.
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“Throughout the filming of It Ends with Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.”
They added: “Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.” The trio continued: "We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment. We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.”
They added: “For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times.
In documents acquired by TMZ, Blake accuses Justin of a co-ordinated effort to tarnish her image. Conversely, Justin's representatives dismissed the claims as disgraceful and called her legal move a desperate bid to clean up her image. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, lashed out at the lawsuit, denouncing the complaint as a ploy to "fix Blake's negative reputation," and described the allegations as "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt."
News of the lawsuit comes after months of reported tension between Blake and Justin during the making of the highly-anticipated movie, which is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's Novel of the same name. The film sees Lily Bloom (portrayed by Blake) romantically entangled with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), who domestically abuses her.
Subsequent to the film's launch, Blake - who has also been publicly supported by author Colleen - alleges enduring 'severe emotional distress' due to Justin's alleged behaviour.
