Introduction

The drama surrounding Justin Baldoni has escalated following Blake Lively’s recent complaint, which alleges a targeted smear campaign against her in retaliation for highlighting issues of sexual harassment during the filming of their movie, "It Ends With Us." As the holiday season unfolds, a wave of support for Lively has emerged from former collaborators and allies.

Bart Johnson's Support

Among the most vocal supporters is actor Bart Johnson, best known for his role in "High School Musical." In a scathing post on social media, Johnson characterized Baldoni as a "fraud" and called out his public persona as insincere, suggesting that Baldoni has been a master of "theater" rather than an authentic advocate for women's rights. Johnson has previously defended Lively after the film's premiere, insisting that she poured her heart into the project and urging the public to recognize the complexities beyond superficial commentary.

Concerns Over Baldoni's Behavior

In his Dec. 23 statement, Johnson emphasized a pattern of disengagement from Baldoni by co-stars and crew members, noting that “the cast unfollowed him for a reason.” He urged audiences to critically evaluate Baldoni's past behavior and the effectiveness of his public relations strategies, which he labeled as “gross and disgusting.”

Elizabeth Day Withdraws Content

The fallout does not stop with Johnson's comments; writer and podcaster Elizabeth Day has removed a recent interview with Baldoni from her platforms, stressing the importance of a safe workplace for women and commending those who courageously voice their experiences of abuse.

Support from Nicholas Kristof

The situation has also drawn attention from media figures like Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof, who praised Lively's integrity and commitment to fighting misogyny. Kristof, who collaborated with Lively on a PBS documentary about sex trafficking, noted the pain of reliving past trauma through public discussions, yet underscored the essential nature of speaking out against wrongdoing.

Industry Reactions

As the allegations mount against Baldoni, the repercussions are swift. The complaint, which details Baldoni’s "disturbing" behavior on set—including making unsolicited sexual remarks and creating an uncomfortable work atmosphere—has prompted swift action from major industry players. Film distributor Sony and SAG-AFTRA have publicly backed Lively, while Baldoni has recently been dropped by his representation, WME.

Further Distancing

Additionally, Baldoni's podcast co-host, Liz Plank, has distanced herself from the project, and an award previously granted to Baldoni for his efforts as a male ally has been rescinded. On Christmas Eve, he faced a defamation suit from former publicist Stephanie Jones, who accused him and his team of conspiring to undermine her business reputation.

Conclusion

The complaint paints a vivid picture of a tense work environment, as Lively alleges that Baldoni imposed changes to intimate scenes without her approval and engaged in questionable behavior that exacerbated her discomfort. With industry heavyweights rallying for Lively, the unfolding situation poses significant ramifications for Baldoni’s career and raises serious questions about accountability within Hollywood.

As this story continues to develop, fans and industry insiders alike are left watching closely, wondering about the impact of these allegations on both Lively's future projects and Baldoni's professional standing. The call for a safer entertainment industry rings louder than ever, as more voices join the movement for change.