After Allegations Of Planting Stories Against Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively's Publicist Issued A Statement

Larry Fitzmaurice
·2-min read

By now, you're more than likely aware of Blake Lively's legal filing against It Ends With Us director and costar Justin Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment, as well as accusations of Justin running a digital smear campaign to hurt Blake's career.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are sitting closely on a rooftop, facing each other, with a city skyline in the background. They appear to be engaged in an intimate conversation
Sony / Everett Collection

The fallout from the legal filing has been extensive. Over the past week and a half, Justin was dropped by the talent agency previously representing him, and his podcast co-host Liz Plank stepped away from their podcast The Man Enough.

Justin Baldoni smiling, wearing a light pink suit jacket with a floral background, attending an event promoting a film release
Cindy Ord / Getty Images

In a statement to the New York Times, Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman alleged that Blake planted “negative and completely fabricated and false stories with media” against Justin, which was a reason why Justin's studio Wayfarer Studios "made the decision to hire a crisis professional" last summer. Bryan has also since threatened to sue over leaked texts related to the allegations.

Blake Lively in a fitted leather dress with a sheer section walks, holding a patterned clutch. Graffiti wall backdrop
Gotham / GC Images

In response to allegations that there were stories planted to damage Justin's career, Blake's publicist Leslie Sloane issued a statement to People saying the claims were "false."

Blake Lively in floral sequin dress on red carpet, smiling with long wavy hair, wearing statement earrings and bracelets
Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for Sony Pictures

"I was contacted on 8/11 by Sara Nathan (Melissa Nathan’s sister) forwarding an anonymous tip that Page Six received, regarding allegations of HR complaints on the set of It Ends with Us,” Leslie told the publication in a statement.

Person wearing a patterned coat poses confidently in a stylish setting with people taking photos in the background

Melissa Nathan is a crisis PR professional who was named in Blake's legal filing as an alleged participant in Justin's alleged smear campaign.)

James Devaney / GC Images

“After that, I was contacted by various press outlets asking about allegations of HR complaints. When contacted, I responded to press questions by referring them to Wayfarer or Sony for information regarding HR complaints.”

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni smiling and holding microphones in front of a neon sign, appearing to be performing or having a conversation

Wayfarer is Justin's production company, which is also named in Blake's legal filing.

Nicole Rivelli / Sony / Everett Collection

“It’s clear that Mr. Baldoni and his Wayfarer Associates are suggesting that I originated press stories about HR complaints on set, which is false,” Leslie said. According to People, her statement also urged those following the accusations to read Blake's original complaint, “which provides the details of the campaign against my client.”

Blake Lively in an oversized floral-patterned blazer poses outdoors with a cityscape and "It Ends With Us" sign in the background
Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for Sony Pictures

You can read more about the details of Blake's legal filing against Justin right here.