The fallout from Blake Lively’s sexual harassment and smear campaign allegations against Justin Baldoni has led to significant repercussions. The Vital Voices Global Partnership, a non-profit organization supporting women leaders, rescinded Baldoni’s Voices of Solidarity Award on December 23, following a lawsuit filed by Lively on December 21.
Vital Voices explained that the award, presented on December 9, honors men who demonstrate “courage and compassion in advocating for women and girls.” In their statement, the organization said, “The communications among Mr. Baldoni and his publicists included in the lawsuit – and the PR effort they indicate – are, alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the Award.” Mentions of Baldoni’s award have also been removed from their event coverage.
Lively’s complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department, accuses Baldoni of fostering a toxic work environment on the set of It Ends With Us. The lawsuit also alleges that Baldoni and his PR team orchestrated a smear campaign against Lively following the film’s release. Baldoni’s representatives denied the allegations, with his PR team admitting to “sophomoric” behavior but refuting claims of a targeted campaign.
The controversy has garnered widespread support for Lively. Author Colleen Hoover, whose novel inspired It Ends With Us, has publicly praised Lively, along with Hollywood figures such as Amy Schumer, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Feig, and Lively’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars. Their endorsements reflect a growing chorus of voices calling for accountability in the industry.
This development underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing workplace misconduct in Hollywood. As Lively’s allegations continue to make waves, the industry faces renewed scrutiny over its commitment to fostering safe and respectful environments for all.
