☰
☰
Amber Heard has come forward in support of Blake Lively following Lively’s explosive allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment against It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. Lively’s accusations have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, raising questions about abuse of power and the toxic undercurrents in the film industry.
Image credits: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Blake Lively filed a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department accusing Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment during the production of It Ends With Us. The actress alleged Baldoni orchestrated a retaliatory social media campaign designed to discredit her reputation after she raised concerns.
Image credits: Lia Toby/Getty Images
“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” Lively said in a statement to The New York Times.
Image credits: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
In her filing, Lively claimed that Baldoni repeatedly focused on her appearance, reportedly engaging in backchannel criticisms about her body and even entering her trailer without consent while she was undressed. Additionally, Lively alleged that Baldoni permitted his associates to observe intimate scenes being filmed and manipulated social media narratives against her.
Image credits: Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Amber Heard, who has faced her public struggles with allegations of abuse and the court of public opinion, expressed empathy and solidarity with Lively.
Image credits: Karwai Tang/WireImage
“I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive,” Heard said, referring to the retaliatory tactics outlined in Lively’s complaint. “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying, ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’”
Image credits: Marc Piasecki/WireImage
Heard’s statement, though supportive of Lively, garnered mixed reactions online after her high-profile defamation trial against ex-husband Johnny Depp. She received backlash and many expressed skepticism, citing Heard’s controversial legal history and public image.
Image credits: Samir Hussein/WireImage
Text messages included in Lively’s complaint appear to support her claims of a coordinated smear campaign. Messages allegedly exchanged between Baldoni and his PR advisors reportedly discuss manipulating public narratives, including planting negative stories about Lively.
Image credits: bingocardfull
Bryan Freedman, the lawyer representing Baldoni argued that “TAG PR must be the most powerful group of publicists the world has ever seen” to influence public opinion so extensively. He also claimed that Baldoni hired a crisis PR team because Lively allegedly threatened not to participate in promotional efforts for the film.
Image credits: Kjersti Flaa
The allegations have prompted widespread outrage, with many rallying behind Lively. Colleen Hoover, author of the novel upon which the film is based, lauded Lively’s integrity and courage: “You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met. Never change.”
Image credits: ew
Lively’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars—America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel—issued a joint statement supporting her.
“We are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice,” the statement read. “Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety.”
Image credits: Andrew Toth/Getty Images
Fan reactions to the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni controversy have been polarizing, with many expressing outrage at the alleged misconduct and rallying behind Lively for taking a stand. Social media platforms were flooded with support for Lively, with fans applauding her bravery and condemning Baldoni’s alleged actions.
Others criticized the entertainment industry for its persistent power imbalances and retaliatory tactics. Amid the noise, a growing chorus is calling for accountability and systemic change to protect individuals speaking out against abuse.
The controversy sheds light on recurring issues of abuse, exploitation, and retaliation in the entertainment industry. With figures like Blake Lively publicly addressing these dynamics, the conversation is increasingly focused on creating safer environments for performers.
Image credits: Sony Pictures Entertainment
While Baldoni has denied the allegations, the case has sparked broader discussions about the misuse of PR firms to suppress voices and the lasting impacts of institutionalized abuse.
Image credits: Netflix
For many, Lively’s case stands as another painful reminder of the systemic failures women in the industry continue to confront—and the courage it takes to demand change.
