Justin Baldoni reportedly joked that he “miss[ed] the sexual harassment training” while preparing to film an It Ends With Us scene with Blake Lively, according to video footage obtained by TMZ and submitted as evidence in the ongoing legal dispute between the co-stars.
In the clip, entered as an exhibit in the contentious case, the 41-year-old actor appears to tell Lively, “I think it’s pretty hot. Sexy,” while rehearsing the sequence. Lively is seen with her back to the camera.
Baldoni can then be heard telling the actress that she has something in her teeth, asking, “Can we get a toothpick, please?” before saying something unintelligible about Jenny Slate. Turning to Slate, 43, he adds, “Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training,” followed by an exaggerated eye roll directly into the camera.
Baldoni photographed on set in New Jersey made the comment moments after seemingly referring to the Gossip Girl alum’s costume as “hot” and “sexy,” despite Lively wearing a fleece onesie and not being “scantily clad,” according to Baldoni’s legal team.
His attorney claimed in a court motion that Baldoni apologized if the remark was considered inappropriate, alleging that Lively, 38, responded that it was “all good.” However, her reply is not audible in the footage, Page Six reported.
Baldoni’s lawyers have argued that the comment was “entirely unremarkable,” repeating that Lively was wearing a fleece onesie rather than revealing clothing.
Page Six stated that Baldoni’s legal team declined further comment, while Lively’s representatives have not responded to requests.
The actress filed a lawsuit in December 2024 accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, and lost wages. Amid long-running speculation of tension during the film’s promotional tour, the pair promoted the project separately.
Baldoni countersued for civil extortion and defamation in January, but a judge dismissed the suit in June. The matter was formally closed when Baldoni declined to file an amended complaint, though his counsel indicated he retains the option to appeal and is focused on defending against Lively’s case.
As the trial approaches in March, additional submitted materials have surfaced online, including text messages between Baldoni and The Office actor Rainn Wilson about a “traumatic” confrontation with Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds. Another exhibit includes a text from author Colleen Hoover stating she felt “disappointed” in Baldoni and “forced to choose” between him and Lively.
Baldoni has recently asked a judge to dismiss Lively’s lawsuit, arguing that “no reasonable jury” would support her alleged $161 million claim for lost profits.
Source: Page Six