Justin Baldoni Leaks Footage To Push Back Against Blake Lively’s Harassment Allegation
Hollywood actor and director Justin Baldoni has hit back at allegations of sexual harassment made by co-star Blake Lively, accusing her of launching a “smear campaign” against him. Baldoni’s legal team has released raw footage from their film ‘It Ends With Us,’ claiming it disproves Lively’s accusations, but her attorneys argue otherwise.
The dispute stems from Lively’s lawsuit filed in December 2024, where she accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior during the filming of a romantic scene. According to the lawsuit, Baldoni allegedly “leaned forward and slowly dragged his lips from her ear down her neck, saying, ‘It smells so good.’” Lively’s attorneys claim this was an example of repeated misconduct on his part.
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has provided The Daily Beast with the unedited footage of the scene in question, asserting that it “clearly refutes Ms. Lively’s characterization of his behavior.” Freedman described the interactions as “mutual, professional, and well within the scope of the scene,” filmed on May 23, 2023.
However, Lively’s legal team has dismissed the footage as “damning,” stating it supports her claims. “Every frame of the released footage corroborates, to the letter, what Ms. Lively described in Paragraph 48 of her Complaint,” her attorneys told TMZ.
The video shows the actors performing a slow-dance sequence that was later included in a montage for the movie. In the footage, Baldoni is seen nuzzling Lively’s neck while she jokes about her “spray tan” rubbing off, to which Baldoni responds, “It smells good.” After the final take, Lively appears to agree that the scene was completed successfully.
The footage also captures the pair discussing ways to enhance the scene’s romantic tone, with lighthearted banter about their spouses. Freedman emphasized this as evidence of a respectful and professional working environment.
“Justin Baldoni and his team have nothing to hide,” Freedman stated. He revealed plans to launch a website featuring all relevant correspondence and videos to challenge Lively’s allegations.
The controversy has polarized public opinion, with many awaiting further developments in this high-profile legal battle.
