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Nick Viall Questions Justin Baldoni’s Actions Amid Blake Lively’s Online Hate
In a powerful show of solidarity, more celebrities are rallying behind Blake Lively following her explosive lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit, which emerged on Friday and made headlines over the weekend via TMZ, has ignited discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in times of crisis.
On Saturday, the New York Times released a detailed report revealing private messages that allegedly outline a coordinated smear campaign against Lively, as referenced in her lawsuit. Baldoni and his team have vehemently denied these claims, labeling the lawsuit an attempt to “repair her damaging reputation.”
In a supportive statement, Sony Pictures Entertainment, the distributor of It Ends With Us, reiterated their unwavering support for Lively. “We have previously expressed our support for Blake concerning her contributions to the film. We fully and emphatically reaffirm that support today,” the company stated. They also condemned any attacks on her reputation, asserting that such behavior has no place in the industry or society at large.
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Blake Lively Recalls Justin Baldoni’s Emotional Reaction in Dressing Room: Legal Dispute Unfolds
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Nick Viall, a former star of The Bachelor and a podcast host, was quick to defend Lively. He previously criticized Baldoni for hiring well-known crisis manager Melissa Nathan, who had previously worked with Johnny Depp during his contentious defamation trial against Amber Heard. This decision came as public sentiment turned against Lively amid the film’s release and rumors of tensions on set began to circulate.
Viall is not alone in his support for Lively. She has detailed her troubling experiences during the making and promotion of the Colleen Hoover adaptation, revealing shocking accounts of alleged harassment and a systematic smear campaign against her.
In a display of solidarity, Amy Schumer simply stated, “I believe Blake” on her Instagram Story. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow showed her support by promoting Lively’s haircare line, Blake Brown, on the same day the lawsuit was disclosed, captioning her post, “Just added to my Christmas wish list,” accompanied by a queen emoji.
Many others have also voiced their backing for Lively. Continue reading to discover all the celebrities standing by her side during this challenging time.
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Amber Heard Shares Her Own Struggles: “I Felt Less Than Human” During Depp Trial
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Kaitlin Olson Expresses Solidarity with Blake Lively
Hacks and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Kaitlin Olson — whose husband, Rob McElhenney, co-invests in Wrexham AFC with Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds — showed her support on Instagram.
Olson, like many others, shared a link to the New York Times article discussing Lively’s lawsuit, adding her own commentary: “@BlakeLively is a kind, beautiful, honest, and generous person (and an incredible mother). FYI.”
Jenny Slate Stands Firmly Behind Lively
Jenny Slate, who portrayed Baldoni’s sister in It Ends With Us, has publicly supported Lively amidst the controversy.
“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reportedly involved in orchestrating an attack on her reputation,” Slate stated in a statement to TODAY. “Blake is a leader, a loyal friend, and a trusted source of emotional support for me and countless others who know and love her.”
“What has been revealed regarding the attack on Blake is profoundly dark, disturbing, and entirely threatening,” she concluded. “I commend my friend; I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
Brandon Sklenar Voices Support for Blake Lively
Fellow co-star Brandon Sklenar also expressed his support for Lively by sharing a link to the New York Times article.
He added, “For the love of god, read this,” tagging Lively and including a heart emoji.
Back in August, as Lively faced intense negativity regarding how she had been promoting the film, Sklenar issued a statement defending her as well.
“Vilifying the women who pour their heart and soul into making this film because they believe in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film represents,” he stated at that time.
Michele Morrone Opens Up About Lively’s Pain During Filming
Michele Morrone shared insights about working with Lively on Simple Favor 2 after her involvement in It Ends With Us.
“I believe it’s time to stand up for someone I truly love, and that person is Blake Lively,” he expressed in a video shared on his Instagram Story to his 16 million followers.
“I personally met Blake during A Simple Favor 2, and while filming, I sensed that something was wrong, and I felt the pain she was experiencing. We had the opportunity to talk, and Blake was in pain,” he shared. “I am truly exhausted from witnessing these cruel and harmful comments about her without understanding the situation.”
“That’s why I want to link this article from The New York Times, so you can understand before commenting on what happened,” he added. “That’s all I ask. Blake, I love you so much. Keep strong; we will see each other very, very soon. Love you.”
Director Paul Feig Supports Blake Lively in the Face of Adversity
Paul Feig, the director of both A Simple Favor and its upcoming sequel, also voiced his support for Lively on social media.
“I have now made two movies with Blake, and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented, and kind people I’ve ever worked with,” he stated.
He concluded, “She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s terrible she was put through this.”
Amber Heard Reflects on the Alleged Smear Campaign Against Lively
Amber Heard, drawing from her experiences, spoke out following her own ordeal during her divorce from Depp and the ensuing defamation lawsuit, stating, “I witnessed this firsthand and it is horrifying.”
“Social media is truly the embodiment of the old saying, ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,’” she remarked in a statement acquired by NBC News.
“I have seen this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is dangerous,” she added.
Nick Viall Discusses His Observations on the Situation
In a recent TikTok video, Nick Viall stated that he is “not here to gloat,” although he observed Justin Baldoni’s actions back in August. As Lively faced significant backlash online, Viall also faced criticism for questioning Baldoni’s decisions.
“I’m not here to gloat; I’m just genuinely happy that the truth is finally coming out about this man, and more importantly, how wrong everyone has been about Blake,” Viall shared in his new TikTok.
He challenged those who still doubt the actress “because she reminds you of someone from high school or you’re just infatuated with his jawline,” to actually read her complaint.
“It’s filled with screenshots, evidence, and in great detail paints a picture of who Justin really is and not who he pretends to be,” he explained.
For the reality star and podcast host, the first red flag appeared back in January 2023, just before his lengthy interview with Baldoni on a rainy day in August, which is why he latched onto that word “fake.”
As Viall explained, he had stepped out for a moment, and by the time he returned, Baldoni was back but not quite ready. He was, according to Viall, meditating … in front of everyone present.
“I think meditation is fantastic … but as something you do for yourself, you know, you don’t do it for an audience,” he argued. “It was clear he was doing it for an audience. I was thinking to myself, why wouldn’t you just do this in your car? It’s pouring rain; the vibes are great outside.”
Throughout most of Baldoni’s appearances for the film, the director and star focused his approach on a women-first response to the book and film’s challenging subject matter on domestic abuse.
“During the interview, I really wanted to see if he believed in the issues he was promoting. Did he even understand them?” Viall stated in his new explanation. “Honestly, I just felt like his answers were insincere.”
“My big takeaway is that this guy kind of sucks. I left with the vibe that he is cosplaying as an ally and is not genuinely one,” he added.
In August, Viall went viral for questioning why Baldoni had even hired a PR crisis team as stories began to leak about the filming of the movie. He questioned why he wasn’t out there defending women — or at least one woman — from online attacks.
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