Blake Lively Claims Justin Baldoni Secretly Sent Her to a Weight Loss Specialist Instead of a Throat Specialist
In Blake Lively’s legal complaint against Justin Baldoni, obtained by E! News, the actress alleged that when she caught strep throat, he secretly sent her to a weight loss specialist instead.
The drama surrounding It Ends with Us is far from finished.
In Blake Lively’s legal complaint against Justin Baldoni, filed with the California Civil Rights Department and obtained by E! News, the actress accused her costar—who also directed the film—of “routinely” weight-shaming her during production of the adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel.
In one particular instance described in the documents, Blake alleged that the Jane the Virgin star offered to connect her with an expert on probiotics as a “gift” when she caught strep throat. However, upon filling out the privacy forms, the Gossip Girl alum—who had welcomed her and Ryan Reynolds’ fourth baby, son Olin, a few months before filming the movie—realized the expert was actually a weight loss specialist and in her complained she likened the experience to body shaming.
E! News has reached out to Justin’s representatives for comment but has not heard back.
In addition to accusations of sexual harassment during production of the film, Blake, 37, accused Justin, 40, of creating a hostile work environment on set and later participating in a public smear campaign against her. However, Justin has denied any wrongdoing.
“It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives,” his attorney, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement to the New York Times. “These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.”
Following the complaint, the Five Feet Apart director was dropped as a client by talent agency WME, the New York Times confirmed, citing executive Ari Emanuel.
Following her filing, Blake’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel were among those showing their support, releasing a joint social media statement Dec. 22.
“As Blake’s friends and sisters for over twenty years,” they wrote on Instagram, “we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation.”
They added, “We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.”
To see more celebrity reactions to Blake’s bombshell legal action, keep reading below.
Colleen Hoover
After Blake Lively filed a legal complaint against It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the film’s set and for later taking part in a smear campaign against her—claims that he has since denied via his lawyer—Colleen Hoover, who wrote the book that the movie is based on, shared a message to the actress.
“@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met,” Colleen wrote on her Instagram Stories Dec. 21. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
Robyn Lively
Blake’s sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively, also weighed in.
“I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety,” Robyn wrote on Instagram Dec. 23, referencing the NYT piece that details Blake’s complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. “It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister.”
The Teen Witch star went on to note that it also “highlights” what Blake allegedly experienced on the set of It Ends With Us.
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Paul Feig
Blake’s A Simple Favor director also came to her defense, writing on X Dec. 22, “I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this.”
Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images
Amy Schumer
The comedian showed her support for the Gossip Girl alum, writing on her Instagram Story Dec. 22, “I believe Blake.”
Joseph Agustin
Gwyneth Paltrow
Shortly after Blake’s complaint was made public, the Goop founder shared a photo of The Town star’s hair company, Blake Brown, on her Instagram Story, writing, “Just added to my Christmas wish list.”
Instagram / America Ferrera
Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn & America Ferrera
Blake’s BFFs and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars penned a joint message, posted to Instagram Dec. 22, stating they “stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation.”
Noam Galai/WireImage
Bart Johnson
Bart Johnson shared an impassioned defense of his sister-in-law in the comments section of a New York Times Instagram post detailing the filing and its own investigation into the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
“Her complained were filed during the filming,” the High School Musical alum, who is married to Blake’s sister Robyn, wrote. “On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spitting ignorance. His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is with out faults. But the public got played.”
He later added on X of Baldoni, “He’s a fraud. He puts on the ‘costume’ of a hero, man bun and all. Used all of the trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts. None of it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years. Rewatch his videos with a more critical eye and watch him compliment and praise himself with faux humility and self deprecation. What a performance.”
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Disney
Shawn Levy
Ryan Reynolds‘ frequent collaborator Shawn Levy shared the New York Times investigation into the smear campaign on his Instagram Stories, writing, “Proud to call @blakelively a friend.”
Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
Amber Heard
Days after Lively’s filing was made public, Amber Heard reflected on her own experience facing relentless vitriol online amid ex Johnny Depp‘s defamation trial against her.
“Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,’” the Aquaman star expressed in a statement to NBC News Dec. 23. “I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”
Brandon Sklenar
Brandon Sklenar, who played Blake’s love interest Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us, had a simple, pointed message of support.
Sharing a screenshot of the Gossip Girl alum’s full complaint against Baldoni on his Instagram Stories Dec. 23, he wrote over a link to the text, “For the love of God read this.” He followed up by tagging her with a heart emoji.
John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images
Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate, who played Baldoni’s sister and Blake’s BFF in the film, shared her thoughts on the “disturbing” allegations.
“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,” Slate said in a Dec. 23 statement to Today. “Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.”
“What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening,” the Parks and Recreation alum continued. “I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
Elisabetta A. Villa/WireImage
Michele Morrone
The actor, who stars alongside Lively in the upcoming sequel to A Simple Favor, sent his love to her on Instagram Story Dec. 23, adding that he felt her “pain” as they filmed together earlier this year.
