Megan Twohey, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, dives into the explosive legal battle between Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. She unpacks the legal complaint involving harassment claims and examines the tactics celebrities employ in public reputation management. The discussion highlights the controversy surrounding the film 'It Ends With Us' and explores the darker side of social media manipulation in the industry. As the legal wrangling unfolds, Twohey analyzes broader implications for fame and accountability in Hollywood.
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Lively's Allegations
Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of "It Ends With Us".
Allegations included unwanted kissing, discussing his sex life, and entering her trailer without permission.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lively's Conditions
Lively demanded an intimacy coordinator, no sexual comments, and no retaliation.
Wayfarer Studios agreed to these terms to avoid Lively leaving the film.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Baldoni's PR Strategy
Baldoni, fearing Lively's allegations, hired a crisis PR firm led by Melissa Nathan.
Nathan proposed a "full social takedown" of Lively, claiming they "can bury anyone."
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The book follows Lily Bloom, a young woman who has overcome a difficult childhood to build a successful life in Boston. She meets Ryle Kincaid, a charming neurosurgeon, and despite his initial aversion to relationships, they fall deeply in love. However, their relationship takes a dark turn when Ryle's abusive tendencies are revealed. The story also explores Lily's past love, Atlas Corrigan, and the complexities of her relationships with both men. The novel delves into themes of domestic abuse, trauma, and the resilience required to escape such situations. Colleen Hoover's nuanced approach makes the characters relatable and human, providing a powerful and emotional reading experience[2][3][5].
Warning: This episode contains descriptions of alleged sexual harassment, and a fictional portrayal of domestic violence.
Over the last few weeks, the Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have gone to battle over exactly what happened during the making and promotion of their latest film.
It’s a dispute that has pulled back the curtain on an alleged smear campaign and the new set of tools that celebrities can use to defend themselves and redefine their enemies in the court of public opinion.
Megan Twohey, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, discusses the legal complaint that started it all.
Guests: Megan Twohey, an investigative reporter at The New York Times.
Mr. Baldoni and his publicists have sued The New York Times for libel over its reporting about Ms. Lively’s allegations.
Photo: (l-r) Lia Toby/Getty Images; John Nacion/Variety, via Getty Images.
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