Blake Lively’s legal team called out Justin Baldoni for releasing a 10-minute video of the “It End With Us” co-stars getting flirty on the set of the 2024 domestic violence film.
“Justin Baldoni and his lawyer may hope that this latest stunt will get ahead of the damaging evidence against him, but the video itself is damning,” the “Gossip Girl” alum’s lawyers told Page Six via a statement on Tuesday.
The attorneys argued that “the released footage corroborates” their client’s sexual harassment allegations detailed in her Dec. 31 lawsuit.
“The video shows Mr. Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms. Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character,” the statement continued.
“Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present. Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively’s co-star, but the director, the head of studio and Ms. Lively’s boss.”
Lively’s team claimed she was “leaning away and repeatedly asking” Baldoni for their characters to “just talk” rather than get intimate.
“Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort. They will recognize her attempts at levity to try to deflect the unwanted touching,” they added.
The lawyers of the “Age of Adeline” star also accused Baldoni, 40, of attempting to “manipulate the public” by releasing the video to the media rather than as evidence in court.
“It is also a continuation of their harassment and retaliatory campaign,” the legal team continued, describing the “Jane the Virgin” star’s actions as “manufactured media stunts.”
Reps for Baldoni weren’t immediately available to Page Six for comment.
Earlier in the day, the “Five Feet Apart” director’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, released the raw footage of his client and Lively, 37, slow dancing in a bar.
“The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another,” Freedman told Page Six, arguing that Lively’s sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni aren’t valid.
“Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism.”
The clip showed the “A Simple Favor” star and Baldoni holding each other close while talking about their partners, Ryan Reynolds and Emily Baldoni, respectively.
The “Clouds” producer played into his role as Ryle Kincaid by leaning in to kiss Lively’s neck, but at one point, the latter, who played the role of Lily Bloom, stated it was “more romantic” for them to just talk.
While dancing and touching noses, Lively quipped she felt “so nosey,” prompting Justin to say, “I know. And my nose is so big.”
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“Yes. I was hoping we could address this. It’s not too late,” Lively responded, suggesting Baldoni should “shut down” filming and “call an insurance month” so he could get a nose job. She then claimed she was just joking.
Lively and Baldoni, who were rumored to be feuding when the film was released in August, took their dispute public on Dec. 21 when the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” star filed a complaint against the latter’s alleged bad behavior on set, which was published by the New York Times.
On Dec. 31, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against the Times for $250 million, arguing the outlet “cherry-picked and altered communications” and “relied almost entirely on Lively’s unverified and self-serving narrative.”
A rep for the Times told Page Six that they are standing by their reporting and “plan to vigorously defend” themselves in court.
Lively also filed a formal lawsuit against Baldoni on Dec. 31.
On Jan. 16, Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million, and argued against the actress’ allegations.
Lively’s team responded to the lawsuit, calling it “another chapter in the abuser playbook.”
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