New York: Vital Voices, a global non-profit organisation committed to empowering women, has rescinded Justin Baldoni’s Voices of Solidarity Award. The decision came after Lively filed a legal protest accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a campaign to spoil her reputation.
Actor Justin Baldoni, known for his role in It Ends With Us, is facing serious allegations from co-star Blake Lively, leading to the cancellation of a prestigious women’s solidarity honour.
The award, presented on December 9 during a New York ceremony by comedian Hasan Minhaj, praises men who advocate for women and girls. Baldoni shared his gratitude on Instagram, stating his hope to encourage younger generations of men to embrace empathy and vulnerability.
Blake Lively, best known for her role in Gossip Girl, pointed the complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department, alleging repeated sexual harassment and “disturbing behaviour” by Baldoni and a producer on the set of It Ends With Us. The filing includes a list of demands made during a meeting to handle the misconduct, such as eliminating intimate scenes not pre-approved by Lively and abstaining from referencing Baldoni’s “pornography addiction” in professional settings.
Lively also accused Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of leading a retaliatory campaign against her. The complaint alleges they hired a crisis management team to perform a “coordinated and well-financed” effort to discredit her through social media posts and media narratives.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, categorically denied the accusations, labelling them as “intentionally salacious.” Freedman charged Lively of threatening to derail the film’s production and promotion unless her demands were met.
Freedman stated that, “This complaint is an effort to outline a false narrative with the sole intention of publicly breaking Mr. Baldoni.” In its statement, Vital Voices highlighted the allegations are contrary to the organisation’s values, stating that, “We have rescinded the award and notified Mr. Baldoni of our decision.”
The unfolding controversy casts a shadow over the upcoming release of It Ends With Us, where Baldoni stars as a charming but abusive boyfriend opposite Lively. Both parties remain sealed in a legal battle as the allegations continue to reverberate across Hollywood.
IMPORTANT | NASA’s Parker Probe makes historic close pass to the Sun
