Yahoo Lifestyle Justin Baldoni Supporter Protests at Blake Lively’s ‘Another Simple Favor’ SXSW Premiere
While Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s ongoing legal battle has largely been contained to legal documents and internet chatter, the public feud spilled into the streets of Austin, Texas on Friday evening. One fervent Justin Baldoni supporter demonstrated outside the Paramount Theater ahead of the premiere of Lively’s new film “Another Simple Favor,” which marks the opening night screening for the town’s annual SXSW festival gathering.
Ahead of Lively’s arrival, one protester was seen holding a sign reading “Justice for Justin Baldoni” with a T-shirt emblazoned with “Blake Lied.” One user on X took credit for the solo appearance, writing “I was the only Justice For Justin protester out here. … Yes, I got footage of Blake Lively and some great crowd interviews.” She also implored readers to “follow and subscribe” for forthcoming content.
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The protestor also bills herself in her profile’s bio as covering “METOO HOAXES” and has a posting history of fervent support for Johnny Depp during his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, as well as Marilyn Manson, who has been accused of sexual assault and domestic violence by ex-partner Evan Rachel Wood.
Lively attended the premiere, returning to the red carpet but skipping interviews with press members who had already spoken to her co-star Anna Kendrick and director Paul Feig. Inside the auditorium, Lively did not address the crowd before the screening.
“She’s the most amazing collaborator, so smart. She and Anna are just two of the smartest actors I’ve ever worked with,” Feig told Variety on the carpet when asked about Lively. “Every movie star has opinions about what they’re doing. I haven’t worked with one that doesn’t want to get in there and work on stuff and make it better. That’s our process. I love that Blake works that way. … It’s the only way to work.”
Lively is suing Baldoni, who co-starred with her and directed last year’s drama “It Ends With Us,” for sexual harassment and for waging a media smear campaign against her after she raised complaints. Baldoni is suing her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation. The parties are currently at odds over the rules that will govern the discovery process. The legal fight has been one of the most bitterly contested clashes of high-profile actors in recent Hollywood history.
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