Blake Lively’s lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni has quickly become one of the most talked-about legal battles in Hollywood. The case, which includes serious sexual harassment allegations, raises larger questions: Is the MeToo movement, which promised a shift in how the entertainment industry handles harassment, still effective today? Just as importantly, is it still alive and well?
As an employment attorney, mediator, and legal commentator on sexual harassment cases, I have followed the evolution of the MeToo movement closely. Lively’s legal action against Baldoni, which includes accusations of inappropriate behavior such as unsolicited advances and a purported smear campaign against her, has sparked a renewed conversation about the state of Hollywood’s commitment to real change.
Related Appearance: #TimesUp & #MeToo – KTLA 5 (February 7, 2020)
The Allegations: What’s at Stake?
Lively’s complaint alleges that Baldoni, along with others, subjected her to unwanted advances, including unscripted kissing and inappropriate comments on set. She also claims that Baldoni entered her trailer while she was changing, a violation of personal privacy that many would consider a clear line-crossing in today’s workplace environment.
Additionally, Lively’s lawsuit accuses a PR firm of engaging in what’s known as “astroturfing”—creating fake grassroots campaigns to discredit her in the public eye. This adds a new layer to the conversation, suggesting that the harassment Lively experienced may have been compounded by efforts to silence her or damage her reputation.
Related Article: On-the-Job Retaliation & Violation Complaints Rising in California: Is Mediation the Answer?
What Does This Mean for the MeToo Movement?
When the MeToo movement gained widespread momentum in 2017, it was seen as a pivotal moment in the fight against workplace harassment, particularly in Hollywood. The movement brought attention to alleged sexual harassment and abuse on a massive scale and resulted in significant changes in industry standards.
But nearly six years later, high-profile cases like Lively’s lawsuit call into question whether true, lasting change has taken place. Has Hollywood really reformed? Or are we simply seeing different forms of harassment—perhaps more covert, but still damaging? Lively’s decision to take legal action is not just about the alleged misconduct but also about her desire to expose what she believes is a systemic effort to protect perpetrators and silence victims.
Related Article: Angela Reddock-Wright Discusses Recent Vanderpump Rules Lawsuit and Reality Reckoning
The Role of Intimacy Coordinators
One of the most important shifts that came out of the MeToo movement was the introduction of intimacy coordinators on film and TV sets.
These professionals are tasked with ensuring that scenes involving nudity or physical intimacy are handled with respect and safety for the actors involved.While this is undoubtedly a step forward, questions remain about how effective these coordinators truly are in preventing abuse.
In Lively’s case, she claims the studio made efforts to improve safeguards after she aired her complaints. But will these measures be enough to prevent future incidents? And are they a genuine sign of progress, or just another layer of PR aimed at avoiding future lawsuits?
Related Appearance: Angela Reddock-Wright on Scripps News – Discussing Actress Gina Carano’s Suit Against Disney and Lucasfilm (February 7, 2024)
Cancel Culture vs. Due Process: The Fine Line
Another element that complicates this case is the role of cancel culture. When allegations like Lively’s emerge, we often see swift action taken—sometimes even before an investigation or trial can confirm the facts. Baldoni, for example, was dropped by his agency almost immediately after the accusations surfaced. As a commentator on sexual harassment cases, I see this as part of a larger cultural shift.
The Bigger Picture: Progress or Setback?
Ultimately, what we see unfolding in Blake Lively’s lawsuit is more than just a high-profile legal case. It’s a window into how Hollywood—and broader society—continues to grapple with the complexities of alleged sexual harassment, workplace power dynamics, and public accountability.
The MeToo movement was never meant to be a one-time event or a flash-in-the-pan cultural moment. It was a call to action—a reminder that real change takes time. The question now is whether that change is sustainable. Lively’s case, and others like it, highlight that there is still much work to be done.
As the lawsuit progresses, it will be interesting to see whether it leads to a broader reassessment of how harassment cases are handled, both in Hollywood and beyond.
Thought Leader, Media Personality, Professional Speaker, & Legal Commentator on the Blake Lively Allegations & Lawsuit & Beyond
Understanding the implications of the Blake Lively allegations and lawsuit is imperative for both employees and employers. I am an expert on all aspects of employment law and am uniquely positioned and qualified to provide expert insight and analysis on all employment law issues. These issues can be complex, so you need a seasoned legal professional to shed light on them. My passion is being a beacon in uncertain times of transition that provides that light.
Employment Law Thought Leader & Professional Speaker on the Blake Lively Allegations & Lawsuit, Employment Law Trends, and Breaking Employment Law News
It is essential to understand the Blake Lively Allegations and lawsuit. Both employees and employers alike need to be able to navigate this changing landscape, and this knowledge is the only way to do so. I am a former employment and labor law attorney turned mediator, ADR, and conflict resolution specialist who believes it is imperative to stay current with groundbreaking changes to employment law for employees and employers alike. My passion is educating the general public on recent developments in employment law and the workplace trends that impact them as a thought leader and legal commentator. As such, I am uniquely qualified to address the issue of discussing politics in the workplace. My more than 20 years of experience as a media legal analyst and contributor led to my radio show on Tavis Smiley’s KBLA Talk 1580 and weekly podcast, “Legal Lens with Angela Reddock-Wright.” I also am a regular speaker, podcaster, and blogger on employment law and issues related to the workplace.
Also, learn more about my book – The Workplace Transformed: 7 Crucial Lessons from the Global Pandemic – here – https://angelareddock-wright.com/book/.
To follow and stream my Legal Lens Podcast with Angela Reddock-Wright podcast, visit here – The Legal Lens with Angela Reddock-Wright Podcast.
For media inquiries, please reach out to josh@kwsmdigital.com.
For more information regarding mediation and dispute resolution resources for both employees and employers, let’s connect on LinkedIn for new updates or contact me here. You may also follow me on Instagram.
To learn more about my employment and Title IX mediation practice, or to book me for a mediation, visit here – “Angela Reddock-Wright, Employment & Title IX Mediator at Signature Resolution”
This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment law attorney in your state or city.