The recent tumult surrounding Justin Baldoni, exacerbated during the holiday season, has prompted a notable surge of support for Blake Lively. This follows Lively’s filing of a formal complaint alleging a calculated smear campaign in retaliation for her courageous confrontation of sexual harassment on the set of their film, It Ends With Us.
Among those voicing their allegiance to Lively is her brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, a notable figure from High School Musical. On December 23, he articulated his denunciation of Baldoni on X, stating, “He’s a fraud. He dons the guise of a hero, complete with man bun. Utilizing trendy catchphrases and buzz words in his podcasts, his persona is devoid of authenticity. It’s mere theatrics, and many have been ensnared by it for years. Upon critical reevaluation of his videos, one can observe the façade of humility coupled with egocentric self-praise. What an astounding performance.”
Johnson, who has recently appeared in Yellowstone, previously expressed his unwavering support for Lively post the film’s premiere in August, asserting, “The truth has yet to surface.” He defended her against claims of insensitivity concerning the film’s themes of domestic violence, emphasizing her dedication to the project akin to none other he had witnessed throughout her career.
The December 23 commentary follows prior remarks in response to a New York Times Instagram post regarding the complaint. Johnson wrote that Lively’s allegations were documented during filming, prior to any public dispute. He noted the rationale behind the cast’s decision to unfollow Baldoni, suggesting an orchestrated public relations strategy aimed at undermining Lively’s credibility.
Concurrently, writer and podcaster Elizabeth Day suspended an episode of her How to Fail podcast featuring Baldoni, underscoring the imperative for a safe workplace and commending those who exhibit bravery in speaking out against abuse.
The repercussions of Lively’s complaint have been swift and far-reaching. Numerous collaborators and industry luminaries have rallied to her side, alongside support from film distributor Sony, SAG-AFTRA, and Amber Heard, a previous target of misogynistic vitriol. Following the complaint, Baldoni was promptly severed from WME, while other associations associated with him likewise dissolved.
Furthermore, on Christmas Eve, Baldoni faced a defamation suit from former publicist Stephanie Jones, accusing an alleged conspiracy aimed at undermining her professional standing.
Lively’s original complaint delineates purportedly “disturbing” conduct from Baldoni, which she claims created a “hostile work environment,” jeopardizing production and resulting in a retaliatory campaign following her disclosures of harassment, detailing alarming behaviors that undermined her sense of safety and agency on set.
Access Blake Lively’s complete sexual harassment and retaliation complaint against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios here.
Vocabulary List:
- Exacerbated /ɪɡˈzæs.ər.beɪ.tɪd/ (verb): Made a problem or situation worse.
- Denunciation /dɪˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The action of publicly declaring something to be wrong or evil.
- Retaliatory /rɪˈtæl.i.ə.tɔːr.i/ (adjective): Characterized by revenge or reprisal.
- Orchestrated /ˈɔːr.kɪ.strə.teɪtɪd/ (verb): Carefully arranged or directed in a planned manner.
- Allegation /ˌæl.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong typically one made without proof.
- Delineates /dɪˈlɪn.i.eɪts/ (verb): Describes or portrays something precisely.
