Actress Blake Lively, famous for her roles in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Gossip Girl, is drawing serious support from Hollywood actors and other public figures in response to her public feud with—and now legal complaint filed against—Justin Baldoni. Lively has accused Baldoni, her co-star and director in the movie It Ends With Us, of alleged sexual harassment and retaliation. She claims Baldoni acted inappropriately on set, and then tried to ruin her reputation after she spoke up. Now, many celebrities are showing their support for her.
What Happened
Lively says Baldoni made inappropriate comments about her weight, improvised intimacy during filming, and generally made their set a hostile work environment. When she spoke up about it, she claims Baldoni launched a smear campaign against her to make her look bad in the industry.
Baldoni has denied everything through his lawyer, calling the accusations “false and outrageous.” Even so, his talent agency, WME, has dropped him as a client.
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Friends Show Support
As Lively deals with this, her friends and other celebrities have stepped up to back her. Her Traveling Pants co-stars—America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn—released a joint statement supporting her. “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,” they wrote. “We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.”
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Author Colleen Hoover Speaks Up
Colleen Hoover, who wrote the book It Ends With Us, also supports Lively. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are,” the author shared on Instagram. “Never change. Never wilt.”
Hollywood Joins In
And support isn’t just coming from her close friends. Gwyneth Paltrow responded by sharing Lively’s new haircare line on her Instagram Story with the words “Just added to my Christmas wish list [queen emoji].” Comedian Amy Schumer and director Paul Feig also showed support on social media.
A Bigger Issue in Hollywood
This issue highlights how women still face challenges in the workplace—even in Hollywood—and the ongoing need for safe working environments. The strong support Lively is receiving is a stark reminder of the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.
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