In a case filled with allegations and counterclaims, one of the most shocking accusations was Blake Lively’s claim that Justin Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of “It Ends with Us.”
According to Lively’s civil rights complaint, Baldoni allegedly dragged his lips down her neck during a romantic dance scene, telling her, “It smells so good.” The 37-year-old stated that no one overheard the comment because the scene was silent, with microphones switched off.
However, a new, unedited clip has surfaced, with audio that contradicts Blake Lively’s allegations and paints a very different picture of the “It Ends with Us” interaction.
‘It Ends With Us’ Footage Reveals Key Context
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA
The raw footage, provided to Daily Mail by Baldoni’s production company Wayfarer and his lawyer Bryan Freedman, captures multiple takes of the dance scene. The video not only includes audio but also shows a candid, friendly dynamic between Baldoni and Lively during the shoot.
The conversation in question occurs around the seven-minute mark and offers context that challenges Lively’s claims.
In the footage, Baldoni asks, “Am I getting beard on you?” to which Lively jokingly responds, “I’m probably getting spray tan on you.”
Baldoni replies, “It smells good,” prompting laughter from both actors. Lively clarifies that the scent is from her body makeup, maintaining the light-hearted tone.
While the montage depicts Baldoni nuzzling Lively’s neck as part of the scripted scene, their conversation revolves around professional details like lighting, choreography, and light banter about their spouses.
Friendly Banter Turned Controversial
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The video showcases Lively and Baldoni joking about various topics, including the size of Baldoni’s nose and how they spend time with their significant others.
In one exchange, Baldoni mentions he and his wife Emily enjoy staring at each other in silence, to which Lively jokes, “I think you would find it terrifying.” They also discuss whether it’s more romantic to talk or kiss during the scene, with Lively advocating for dialogue over physical affection.
Ironically, during one conversation, Lively remarks, “They’re never going to find out what we’re really talking about,” referring to their off-script discussions while filming.
As the extras erupt in applause, Baldoni calls out “cut!” and informs Lively that they’ve captured enough footage for a 17-minute reel. In the final take, which highlights their feet, Baldoni is heard telling Lively, “I’m going to let you direct this one,” to which she humorously insists that her heels remain in the frame “because of the sparkle.”
New Footage Surfaces Days After Justin Baldoni’s Lawsuit
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int’l. / MEGA
This newly surfaced footage comes just days after Baldoni filed his lawsuit and only weeks after accusations emerged that Lively served legal papers to him and his team while they were evacuating during the Los Angeles wildfires.
film until well into production and accuses her of launching a calculated negative publicity campaign with the assistance of her publicist, Leslie Sloane, and the New York Times.
One particularly striking claim in the suit describes Lively allegedly attempting to intimidate Baldoni by referencing her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and close friend Taylor Swift. According to the filing, Lively likened herself to the “Game of Thrones” character Khaleesi, declaring, “I have a lot of dragons.”
The actress and her team are also accused of altering text messages between Baldoni’s publicists to make them appear incriminating, suggesting they were orchestrating a smear campaign against her. This reportedly resulted in both publicists facing significant social media backlash after the manipulated messages were made public.
The ‘It Ends With Us’ Legal Saga Continues
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The release of the footage is the latest chapter in a heated legal battle.
Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment in December, following the August release of “It Ends with Us.” Her legal filing accused him of orchestrating a negative publicity campaign against her, with the New York Times spotlighting her claims.
In response, Baldoni has filed lawsuits against both the Times for defamation and Lively, along with her husband Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million, accusing them of using their celebrity influence to undermine his career.
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, has emphasized his client’s transparency, stating, “Justin has nothing to hide.” The footage, Freedman argues, discredits Lively’s claims and demonstrates a professional rapport between the actors.
A Closer Look at the Allegations
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The controversy surrounding “It Ends with Us” has drawn significant attention, with fans and legal experts closely analyzing the evolving case. While Lively insists the footage lacked audio, the newly surfaced video reveals otherwise, providing a complete record of their interactions during filming.
As the legal dispute unfolds, both sides remain steadfast in their narratives, but the explosive footage could prove pivotal in shaping public perception and the outcome of this contentious case.
