Blake Lively has recently intensified her legal battle against Justin Baldoni, the director and actor of the film “It Ends With Us.”

 

Her amended complaint, filed on Tuesday, reveals new allegations of misconduct, claiming that other unnamed witnesses are willing to testify in support of her claims.

 

Allegations of Misconduct

 

 

In a detailed 137-page filing, Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, assert that she was not alone in raising concerns about on-set misconduct more than a year before the film’s release.

 

The complaint highlights a “retaliation campaign” against Lively, including threats, harassment, and intimidation.

 

The amended complaint specifically names Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni, and several other individuals involved in the production.

 

New allegations suggest that Baldoni made other female cast members uncomfortable, with one unnamed actress reporting his “unwelcome behavior” to a Sony employee.

 

Witness Testimonies and Threats

 

 

The complaint states that witnesses have authorized Lively to disclose their communications within the lawsuit.

 

These witnesses are prepared to provide testimony and relevant documents during the discovery phase.

 

Lively’s attorneys argue that the hostile environment created by the defendants forced her to alter her personal and professional life for safety.

 

The filing also claims that a social media campaign orchestrated by Baldoni’s team became “dangerously extreme,” resulting in disturbing threats against Lively and her family.

 

One incident involved a supporter of Lively receiving a written death threat, although the source of the threat remains unnamed.

 

Jed Wallace’s Involvement

 

 

Additionally, the amended complaint introduces Jed Wallace, a Texas-based contractor who allegedly helped design a “social combat” plan for the defendants.

 

Wallace, who has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Lively, denies any involvement in the alleged retaliatory efforts and claims that the accusations have caused significant reputational harm.

 

Internal Investigation Criticism

 

 

Lively’s complaint also criticizes Wayfarer’s internal investigation into the misconduct allegations, labeling it a “farce.”

 

The company hired outside counsel to conduct the investigation, but Lively’s attorneys argue that it lacks transparency, as it is financed and controlled by the same executives being sued.

 

A spokesperson for Lively claims that Wayfarer opted to retaliate against accusers rather than thoroughly investigate the initial allegations of harassment.

 

Response from Wayfarer Studios

 

 

In response to the amended complaint, Bryan Freedman, representing Wayfarer Studios and Baldoni, characterized the allegations as “underwhelming” and filled with “unsubstantial hearsay.”

 

He emphasized that the upcoming depositions would shed light on the truth behind Lively’s claims.

 

Freedman previously described Lively’s allegations as “categorically false,” asserting that the claims are intended to harm their clients’ reputations.

 

The Ongoing Feud

 

 

This legal dispute is part of a broader conflict between Lively and Baldoni that has unfolded since the filming of “It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s popular novel.

 

Lively’s initial complaint, filed in December, accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming and alleged that he retaliated against her after she raised issues about his behavior on set.

 

In addition to these allegations, Lively claims Baldoni hired a crisis publicity firm to engage in a “social manipulation campaign” to smear her while they were promoting the film.

 

Such a filing is typically a precursor to a lawsuit.

 

Baldoni has denied those allegations, stating that they are completely false and outrageous.

 

On December 31, Baldoni sued in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing The New York Times of libel for an article detailing Lively’s claims.

 

The Times has stood by its reporting, further complicating the ongoing feud.

 

Conclusion

 

 

As the legal battle continues, both sides are preparing for what promises to be a contentious discovery process.

 

With new allegations coming to light and witnesses stepping forward, the outcome of this case remains uncertain.

 

The public’s interest in the unfolding drama between Lively and Baldoni is likely to grow as more details emerge.

 

This high-profile case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding allegations of misconduct in the entertainment industry.

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