Sun Jan 05 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Blake Lively Alleges Smear Campaign Following “It Ends With Us” Misconduct Claims
**New York, NY** – Actress Blake Lively is accusing director Justin Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath of orchestrating a smear campaign against her following allegations of on-set misconduct during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” Lively filed a legal complaint Friday, presenting evidence from thousands of text messages and emails obtained through a subpoena. These documents, reviewed by The New York Times, allegedly reveal a deliberate effort to damage Lively’s reputation after she accused Baldoni and Heath of violating her physical boundaries and making inappropriate comments.
Despite Wayfarer Studios agreeing to implement safeguards including an intimacy coordinator and an outside producer following Lively’s complaints, and signing a side letter promising not to retaliate, the complaint alleges that Baldoni and Heath hired a crisis PR expert in August, fearing publicity around Lively’s accusations. Internal communications obtained by Lively reportedly detail a plan to strategically manage online narratives, aiming to bury negative press and cultivate a positive image for Baldoni.
One message from a publicist working with the studio and Baldoni stated a desire to “bury” Lively, while others celebrated the success of a seemingly positive online narrative surrounding Baldoni, despite the fact that “It Ends With Us” had already grossed nearly $350 million worldwide.
The documents offer a glimpse into the alleged use of digital strategies to subtly manipulate public opinion, a tactic that the complaint argues went far beyond traditional celebrity PR. While the film itself was a box office success, the complaint alleges that a concerted effort was made to generate negative online commentary targeting Lively. The legal battle promises to shed light on the methods used in contemporary smear campaigns and the power dynamics within the entertainment industry.
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