UPDATE: Newly unsealed text messages have emerged, shedding light on Blake Lively’s controversial approval rights for sex scenes in the upcoming film It Ends With Us. These messages, released in connection with Lively’s federal sexual harassment lawsuit against co-star and director Justin Baldoni, reveal tension among the film’s editors regarding Lively’s demands.
The text chain, dated April 18, 2024, shows editor Robb Sullivan expressing frustration with Lively’s final approval over not only her own intimate scenes but also those of the young actress portraying her character’s teenage self. Sullivan’s candid comment, “SMH,” directed at co-editor Oona Flaherty, underscores the pressure the production team faced as they rushed to finalize the film ahead of its release, scheduled for March 9, 2024.
In the unsealed texts, Sullivan and Flaherty celebrate securing a PG-13 rating for the film, but the conversation quickly shifts to Lively’s insistence on controlling sensitive content, hinting at deeper conflicts within the production team. The editor’s remarks reflect a broader industry conversation about autonomy and representation in film.
Lively’s lawsuit alleges serious claims against Baldoni, including sexual harassment and retaliation, accusing him of orchestrating a social media campaign to damage her reputation. Baldoni has denied these allegations and previously filed a $400 million countersuit, which has since been dismissed.
The legal battle has intensified, with a Manhattan judge recently ordering Lively to disclose three years of her business income records to Baldoni. As the litigation unfolds, Lively’s attempts to serve subpoenas to key witnesses have been contentious, including an incident where a process server struggled to reach Sullivan at his California residence.
The release of these texts highlights the complexities of power dynamics in Hollywood, especially regarding female representation and control over personal narratives. Legal experts anticipate that the outcome of this case could set significant precedents for similar disputes in the industry.
As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom in Manhattan, where the implications of this case could resonate far beyond the film set. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.