Actress Kaitlin Olson commended Blake Lively for taking legal action against her It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni, who she has accused of sexual harassment.
On Thursday, the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star, 49, showed her support for the Gossip Girl actress, 37, by sharing a an Instagram Reel from The New York Times chronicling Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, 40, and his alleged ‘smear campaign’ against her.
‘@blakelively is a kind, lovely, honest and generous person (and an incredible mom.) FYI,’ Olson wrote in her post, uploaded to her Instagram Story.
Olson’s husband, Rob McElhenney, is in business with Lively’s spouse, Ryan Reynolds, as they co-invested in Welsh soccer team Wrexham AFC back in 2020.
In September, Olson told Us Weekly that she had only met Lively twice since they ‘live on a different coasts’ from each other.
‘I would love to hang out with them both more often,’ the High Potential star noted. ‘I love Ryan.’
Kaitlin Olson commended Blake Lively for taking legal action against her It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni, who she has accused of sexual harassment; seen on January 15, 2024
Olson’s remarks come amid reports that Lively is preparing to take further legal action against Baldoni and that her 80-page lawsuit is just the start.
Since the filing, the fallout for Baldoni has seen the actor – who also directed the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s book of the same name – dropped by WME talent agency, parted ways with his podcast partner and seen his ‘The Voices of Solidarity Award’ rescinded by the Vital Voices organization.
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On Tuesday, insiders revealed to DailyMail.com that the actor may need to prepare for further legal action from Lively as she seeks ‘justice’ over the alleged ‘multi-tiered’ plan to ‘destroy’ her reputation.
A source close to Lively exclusively explained that there are more lawsuits to come, stating that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
‘Blake justly wants everyone who was part of trying ruin her reputation to pay the price,’ the insider confided. ‘She was horrified after reading the brutal texts between Baldoni’s publicist, Jennifer Abel and crisis manager Melissa Nathan.’
The source continued: ‘She broke down in floods of tears to Ryan Reynolds when she read what they were texting about her. She couldn’t believe it had sunk to that level.’
The insider insisted that Lively was not taking a malicious path in her campaign to reveal the truth about what she experienced.
‘Blake isn’t a vindictive person. She’s very fair. But right now she’s out for justice,’ the source noted. ‘She’s determined to take everyone down who was involved in the awful plot against her.’
On Thursday, the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star, 49, showed her support for the Gossip Girl actress, 37, by sharing a an Instagram Reel from The New York Times chronicling Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, 40, and his alleged ‘smear campaign’ against her; Lively seen in November 2024
‘@blakelively is a kind, lovely, honest and generous person (and an incredible mom.) FYI,’ Olson wrote in her post, uploaded to her Instagram Story
It Ends With Us tells the story of Lily Blossom Bloom (Lively), a woman confronting the trauma of domestic abuse inflicted by her husband, Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni).
The book was inspired by author Colleen Hoover’s experience watching her mother endure domestic violence.
The film was mired in controversy long before the lawsuit after fans noticed tensions between Lively and Baldoni when they were promoting the movie before its release.
When discussing the filming process in her lawsuit, Lively alleged that Baldoni showed her explicit videos and photos of other women, openly discussed his struggles with pornography, and made inappropriate remarks about her appearance.
She also included allegations that Baldoni made inappropriate remarks about other members of the cast and crew, claimed he could talk to her late father and made enquires about her weight.
The 37-year-old star has alleged in a lawsuit that Baldoni sexually harassed her throughout the making of the movie, and then went on to engineer a smear campaign against her
Insider revealed that further legal action is set to come from Lively as she seeks ‘justice’ over the alleged a ‘multi-tiered’ plan to ‘destroy’ her reputation
Other details allege even more concerning behavior, with court documents claiming Baldoni ‘improvised physical intimacy’ during a scene without prior discussion or choreography.
One incident reportedly involved Baldoni ‘discreetly biting and sucking on Ms. Lively’s lower lip’ during multiple takes, allegedly insisting on reshooting the scene repeatedly despite Lively’s clear discomfort.
The lawsuit alleges Baldoni made sexual inquiries, including asking Lively if she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, experienced simultaneous climaxes — a question she found intrusive and refused to answer.
In papers obtained by The New York Times, Lively also accused the former Jane The Virgin star of entering her trailer while she was nude, and letting his ‘friends’ watch her film sex scenes, along with other activities that created a ‘hostile work environment.’
In response to Lively calling out the alleged behavior, the actress claims that Baldoni hired a crisis PR team to engage in a ‘multi-tiered’ plan to ‘destroy’ her reputation after she and Reynolds, 48, complained of the ‘repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior’ on set.
The bombshell lawsuit claims that Baldoni’s smear campaign also impacted her business and inflicted ‘severe emotional distress’ upon her family.
Elsewhere, the actress outlined missed work opportunities such as hosting the season 50 premiere of Saturday Night Live in September, which came the month after the feature was released.
‘The effects on Ms. Lively’s professional life were immediate and substantial,’ says the suit, via Just Jared.
A source close to Lively exclusively stated: ‘Blake justly wants everyone who was part of trying ruin her reputation to pay the price’
The insider added that there are more lawsuits to come, stating that this is just the tip of the iceberg
‘Given the ongoing nature of the campaign and the associated negative public sentiment, Ms. Lively did not believe she could proceed with public appearances or events without being forced to openly discuss what happened on set,’ the filing states.
It was added: ‘For example, Ms. Lively canceled a critical Target corporate event for her hair care company, and she backed out of her scheduled role to host the premiere episode of the 50th anniversary season of Saturday Night Live in September 2024.’
On Monday, it was revealed that Lively is receiving support from SAG-AFTRA, which represents 160,000 actors in Hollywood.
The labor union released a statement after the actress, 37, accused the Ends With Us costar of improvising unwanted kissing on set, inappropriate conduct and launching a smear campaign against her.
‘These are startling and troubling allegations. Employees have every right to raise issues of concern or to file complaints. Retaliation for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior is illegal and wrong,’ SAG-AFTRA said.
The union continued: ‘We applaud Blake Lively’s courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set.’
Hoover has also shared her support for Lively – despite having worked closely with both stars on the movie.
The author wrote on Instagram the same day Lively’s complaints surfaced: ‘Blake you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.’
The source continued: ‘Blake isn’t a vindictive person… But right now she’s out for justice. She’s determined to take everyone down who was involved in the awful plot against her’
Lively famously found fame on the hit coming-of-age film, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, alongside the Barbie star, America Ferrera, Gilmore Girls actress, Alexis Bladel, and Amber Tambyln.
Her three co-stars, who have known Lively since she was 18 years old, have since issued a joint statement.
They called out Baldoni’s ‘hypocrisy’ as they wrote: ‘As Blake’s friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation.
‘Throughout the filming of “It Ends with Us,” we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.
‘Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.
‘We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment,’ the statement continued. ‘We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.’
The actress has garnered further support as it emerged that she had made 30 demands of Baldoni and others on set.
Her co-star Jenny Slate – who played the sister of Baldoni’s character – said in a statement to Today.com: ‘As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation.
‘Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.’
She added: ‘What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.’
The actress has garnered support from friends, co-star and SAG-AFTRA after it emerged that she had made 30 demands of Baldoni and others on set
Since the filing, the fallout for Baldoni has seen the actor – who also directed the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s book of the same name – dropped by WME talent agency
Lively’s other co-star Brandon Sklenar shared a link to the New York Times article and wrote: ‘For the love of God, read this.’
Meanwhile, Michele Morrone — the Italian star slated to star with Lively in the upcoming sequel to A Simple Favor — took to his Instagram Story to share a heartfelt video message of solidarity.
‘So it’s usually not my thing to make these types of videos, but I think it’s time to stand up for a person I really love and this person is Blake Lively,’ he said in the clip.
He recalled: ‘I personally met Blake during A Simple Favor 2, we shot this incredible film together, and I felt something was wrong, and I felt the pain and then we had the opportunity to talk, me and her.
‘Blake was in pain. And I’m really tired to see those kind of cruel and bad comments about her without knowing the situation,’ Michele continued.
The actor also linked to a New York Times article and added: ‘So that’s why I want to link right here the article [from] The New York Times so that you can understand before commenting, what happened.
‘That’s all I ask. That’s what I want you to do. Blake, I love you so much. Keep it up and we’re going to see each other very, very soon. Love you.’
Baldoni has denied all of the accusations.
The actor has also parted ways with his podcast partner and seen his ‘The Voices of Solidarity Award’ rescinded by the Vital Voices organization
After Lively sued him, his attorney released a statement calling her allegations ‘completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious’ and claimed she filed just to ‘fix her negative reputation.’
Lively also released a statement to The New York Times about her lawsuit, stating: ‘I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.’
On Saturday, WME – a Californian-based talent agency that represented both actors – dropped Baldoni as a client.
The decision was made by WME bosses early on Saturday morning, with the organization choosing to stand by the mother-of-four during the ongoing feud.
In December 2024, Justin received The Voices of Solidarity Award which is given to men who advocate for women’s rights.
Vital Voices, the organization behind the award, released a statement on Tuesday confirming they have rescinded the award following Blake’s lawsuit.
The movie hit theaters on August 9 and was preceded by a tense press tour that saw Lively and Baldoni noticeably avoid each other
In a statement, they wrote: ‘The Voices of Solidarity Award honors remarkable men who have shown courage and compassion in advocating on behalf of women and girls.
‘On December 9th, 2024, we recognized Justin Baldoni with this award. On Saturday, December 21, we learned through news reports about a lawsuit brought by Blake Lively against Mr. Baldoni, his publicists, and others that is disturbing and alleges abhorrent conduct.
‘The communications among Mr. Baldoni and his publicists included in the lawsuit – and the PR effort the indicate – are, alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the award.
‘We have notified Mr Baldoni that we have rescinded his award.’
Tuesday saw the actor’s former publicist Stephanie Jones – the head of Jonesworks PR – file her own lawsuit against him for breach of contract.
Jones was the former boss of Baldoni’s PR Melissa Abel and allegedly fired her last summer after Jones discovered Abel was ‘stealing documents and client information’ from the firm in aid of a plot to start a rival company, according to a copy of Jones’ lawsuit obtained by DailyMail.com.