CNN
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When the CW’s answer to a telenovela, “Jane the Virgin,” ended in 2019, Justin Baldoni — the actor who was one side of the love triangle that propelled the series — envisioned a bright future, bolstered by lessons. he said he learned on screen and off.
“What’s interesting about Rafael’s journey as a character is that it’s eerily similar and intersects with my journey as a man,” he told New York Times on the conclusion of the show. “I explored masculinity, dug into the parts of myself that are uncomfortable, and discovered equality and privilege. And that really cracked me up.
The show ended two years after Baldoni’s viral 2017 TED talk in which he spoke about redefining masculinity. He reflects at one point: “Your strength, your courage, your endurance: are you brave enough to be vulnerable? Are you strong enough to be sensitive? Are you confident enough to listen to the women in your life?
Years later, his words stand in stark contrast to the man described in a complaint filed Friday with the California Department of Civil Rights by the actress. Blake Livelyaccusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation against his reputation while directing and co-starring with Lively in the domestic violence drama, “It Ends With Us.” While the film was a success at the summer box office, reports of creative differences and tension between the two stars overshadowed the film’s promotional campaign.
According to the complaint obtained by the The New York TimesBaldoni and Jamey Heath, a producer of “It Ends With Us,” allegedly violated Lively’s physical boundaries and repeatedly made sexual and other inappropriate comments to her while working on the project. After raising concerns at a production group meeting, the men agreed that an intimacy coordinator would be present at all times when Lively was in scenes with Baldoni, the complaint states.
Lively claims in her complaint that Baldoni and her communications representatives preemptively orchestrated a media campaign to damage her reputation, fearing that Lively’s allegations would be made public. The complaint names Baldoni as a defendant, along with his production company Wayfarer Studios, his publicist Heath and a crisis public relations executive, among others.
Bryan Freedman, attorney for Baldoni, Heath and Wayfarer Studios, denied the allegations in a statement to CNN over the weekend.
“These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious, intended to cause public harm and rehash a narrative in the media,” Freedman said.
Baldoni’s agency, William Morris Endeavor, a major Hollywood talent firm that represents some of the biggest names in entertainment, has cut ties with him in light of Lively’s accusations, a person familiar with the matter told CNN.
WME did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. Representatives for Baldoni also did not respond to comment.
After “Jane the Virgin,” Baldoni’s career had two parallel tracks. On one of them, he flexed his muscles as a writer, producer and director, most recently directing the film that reunited him with Lively on screen. On the other hand, he built on his growing brand as a thought leader in the field of gender equality and modern masculinity.
He had two books, “Boys will be human” And “Enough man», the latter having generated a podcast of the same name, which is billed as “a safe environment for a range of perspectives to meet and stay at the table, exploring how messages of masculinity manifest in relationships, body image, privilege, fatherhood, sex, success, mental health.” and much more. His guests included everyone from actors to athletes and activists.
Last week, Baldoni was honored for his “solidarity” efforts by Vital voicesa non-profit organization that works to support women in leadership positions. He expressed his hope to “build a future rooted in empathy, fairness and courage” in an article on recognizing social networks.
“Looking at the landscape of our world, it is difficult to accept an award when it is so obvious that there is still much work to be done. I hope we can teach our boys, while they are still young, that vulnerability is strength, sensitivity is a superpower, and empathy makes them powerful,” Baldoni wrote. “That they should love and embrace their masculinity – that being a boy and a man is amazing and there’s nothing to apologize for.” And to value all the beautiful and complicated parts of them that make them human. I believe with all my heart that once our boys learn to be safe spaces for themselves, our world will finally be a safe space for everyone.
Celebrating the debut of “It Ends With Us” on Netflix earlier this month, Baldoni thanked supporters of the project in a post shared on Instagram.
“So many incredible people poured their love, energy and intention into this adaptation with one hope: to create a story that could inspire action. » Baldoni wrote.
With Lively’s complaint, which the Times says is a precursor to a lawsuit, the controversy surrounding the project is poised to continue.
In a statement to CNN on Saturday, Lively said: “I hope my legal action will help shed light on these sinister retaliatory tactics aimed at harming people who speak out about misconduct and help protect others who may be harmed.” ‘be targeted. »