The Rest Is...Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: The Showdown Continues
This week, Jacki and Lyle discuss the latest instalment of a story that dominated the news agenda in the United States earlier this year - the saga that has evolved between movie stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Earlier this year, after the release of their film It Ends With Us based on the best-selling book by Colleen Hoover, reports emerged of a feud between the film's lead actors, Lively and Baldoni, with the controversy centring on their vastly different PR and press strategies and their relationship on set. Lively was heavily criticised in the aftermath of the film's release for appearing to make light of the film's sensitive subject during her press tour as she chose to promote her own businesses, those of her husband Ryan Reynolds, and Reynolds' own film Deadpool & Wolverine instead of discussing the topic of domestic violence that the film addresses. Baldoni, meanwhile, received praise for his sensitive approach to his press responsibilities, with Jacki, Lyle and Alis also applauding him on a previous episode of the podcast for his response to the speculation around his and Lively's working relationship. Fast-forward to this last week, and the saga has come full circle! Lively has now filed a legal complaint against Baldoni, in which she has accused him of sexual harassment. The complaint listed Wayfarer Studios, Mr Baldoni's production company which produced It Ends With Us, as a defendant, with the filing accusing Baldoni and Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath of 'repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behaviour'. The filing also alleges that Lively, Baldoni and other people involved in the development of the film attended a meeting in January to address 'the hostile work environment' on set. with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, attending the meeting alongside her. At this meeting, attendees agreed to a list of demands, including Baldoni and Heath making 'no more descriptions of their own genitalia', requiring an intimacy coordinator on set at all times when Lively was in scenes with Baldoni and no 'friends' of the producers and directors being on set during scenes when Lively was in a state of nudity. The list of demands also implied that Baldoni had asked Lively's trainer how much she weighed and alleged that Baldoni and Heath had spoken about their 'pornography addiction' to Lively. Jacki and Lyle discuss how this latest development has completely reframed the saga to those observing it, with Jacki in particular now analysing Lively's behaviour in the aftermath of the film's release in an entirely different light. Jacki also asks why this filing wasn't issued sooner, with Lyle's counter-argument being that Lively was perhaps gathering all the information she needed to compose the complaint before delivering it to Baldoni and his team. Jacki and Lyle both still agree that her behaviour on her press tour immediately after the film's release was unusual, with Lyle questioning why the creatives on the production were contractually obligated to deliver a 'hopeful' message about the film considering its sensitive subject matter. There is time for Jacki to urge anyone and everyone to 'be less Gregg', before both Jacki and Lyle wish you, the fantastic listeners, a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive period whatever you and yours celebrate at this time of year!Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lylefulton@hotmail.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.