A resurfaced video clip of actress Blake Lively has stirred controversy amid her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Usco-star and director Justin Baldoni.
The clip, taken from the Blu-ray commentary of her 2018 film A Simple Favor, shows Lively joking about grabbing co-star Henry Golding’s groin during an improvised scene. The revelation has sparked widespread backlash and raised new questions about her harassment claims against Baldoni.
Resurfaced clip puts Lively under intense scrutiny
In the now-viral video, Lively can be heard laughing as she asks Golding if she can grab his crotch. Director Paul Feig, also featured in the commentary, complimented her improvisation, remarking that she truly committed to the moment. This footage, initially overlooked, is now being viewed as a possible contradiction to her lawsuit against Baldoni.
In December, Lively accused Baldoni of making her uncomfortable with improvised physical intimacy and inappropriate comments during intimate scenes. The actress filed a sexual harassment complaint, which made headlines across entertainment news outlets.
But Baldoni quickly responded with a defamation countersuit, accusing Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of conspiring to destroy his reputation. Sources close to Baldoni claim that the resurfaced commentary clip supports his case by revealing what they call “hypocrisy” on Lively’s part.
The legal drama heats up with conflicting evidence
A source familiar with Baldoni’s defense told Daily Mail that the clip of Lively joking about grabbing her co-star is damning. The insider stated that Lively is doing the very thing she’s accusing Baldoni of—except on camera, and arguably worse.
Additional footage reportedly obtained by Baldoni’s legal team shows a separate incident that contradicts Lively’s version of events. In one instance, she claimed no one overheard Baldoni making an offhand comment about her scent. However, video evidence suggests she had been discussing her spray tan shortly before the remark was made.
While the public fallout grows, Lively has made attempts to maintain her image. She was seen recently at a friend’s bakery in Connecticut, handing out donuts in what appeared to be a PR-driven gesture. Critics, however, have called the move “tone-deaf.”
As the legal firestorm continues, insiders believe both camps are far from reaching a resolution. With both parties facing mounting scrutiny, the court of public opinion may prove just as influential as any judge.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.