Jenny Slate, who starred alongside Blake Lively in the 2024 romantic drama It Ends With Us, revealed in court documents that the film’s production was “really gross and disturbing.” These revelations emerged amid Blake Lively’s ongoing harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the film’s director and co-star. The legal dispute, centered on allegations of sexual harassment and reputational harm, has intensified as new details come to light.
Legal Dispute Over Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Reputation Damage
The lawsuit filed by Blake Lively accuses Baldoni and the film’s producers of fostering a hostile environment and orchestrating an online campaign aimed at damaging Lively’s character. The case is poised to go to trial in May if the parties cannot reach a settlement in the coming weeks, with Lively seeking approximately $500 million in damages. Baldoni has denied all accusations, and his countersuit was dismissed last year.
Private Texts and Depositions Highlight Discord on Set
Documents unsealed on January 20 include transcripts from depositions and text messages involving cast and crew members, such as Jenny Slate, novelist Colleen Hoover, and singer Taylor Swift, a friend of Lively. In messages sent during production, Slate criticized Baldoni’s behavior and questioned his self-presented image.
On June 4, 2023, Slate texted:
Justin is truly a false ally and I’m unwilling to do anything that promotes the image that he’s crafting as a ‘male feminist,’
and added,
Honestly I have no words to describe what a fraud he is.
These messages surfaced in reports by The Hollywood Reporter.
Co-Star Expresses Multiple Complaints to Studio
Slate, who portrayed the sister of Baldoni’s character, stated she and Lively lodged complaints directly with Sony Pictures during filming. She remarked,
a really gross and disturbing shoot, and I’m one of many who feel [this] way.
The deposition included her May 2023 message to a former agent describing the atmosphere as intense and unpleasant.
In that message, Slate wrote:
This week was really intense for a few reasons,
and further expressed,
It’s like fascinating and also so s***ty. Justin and [producer Jamey Heath] are truly unfit. I’m not scared or anything, just repulsed and deeply irritated, and I know Blake is experiencing that on a much more serious level.
Allegations of Inappropriate Remarks on Set
Slate also testified about an incident where Baldoni made comments about her appearance, saying she “looked sexy” in costume, a remark she deemed inappropriate in any workplace setting. Additionally, she communicated to her representatives in June 2023 that she wished to avoid promotional events with Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath.
Support and Reactions from Blake Lively’s Circle
Text exchanges between Lively and Taylor Swift were also part of the courtroom disclosures. Lively referred to Baldoni using derogatory terms such as “doofus” and “clown” while requesting Swift to review her revised script version. Swift’s response was supportive, with the message,
I’ll do anything for you !!
Implications for the Film Industry and Upcoming Trial
The allegations and testimonies bring to the forefront concerns about workplace conduct and accountability within Hollywood productions. As the trial approaches in May, significant attention will focus on the outcome, which could set precedents for addressing harassment claims and corporate responsibility in the film sector. For Blake Lively, the lawsuit represents a fight to protect her reputation and seek justice for her experiences during the production of It Ends With Us.
