An alleged text from actress Blake Lively has surfaced amid her ongoing legal dispute with director Justin Baldoni, raising questions about his comments regarding her weight. The text, dated April 24, 2023, was introduced as evidence in Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, which claims sexual harassment during the filming of *It Ends With Us*.
In the message, Lively expressed gratitude for a supportive note while revealing that Baldoni had contacted her fitness trainer to inquire about her weight. She stated, “I actually had my director/costar call my trainer today to ask what I’ll weigh in two weeks when we shoot. Because he’s worried about his back and bone density and wants to be sure he’s ok to lift me up for our sex scenes.” This revelation has reignited discussions about Baldoni’s alleged behavior towards Lively and the implications of his inquiries.
Lively’s lawsuit outlines that Baldoni “routinely degraded” her, suggesting he sought back-channel methods to criticize her body. She claimed that shortly before filming began, and just months after giving birth to her fourth child, she felt humiliated upon learning Baldoni had reached out to her trainer without her knowledge. The actress maintains that Baldoni’s inquiries were inappropriate and implied she needed to lose weight quickly for filming.
In response to the allegations, Baldoni has denied any intent to “fat-shame” Lively. He argued that his inquiry stemmed from chronic back issues and anticipated physical demands of a specific scene. His legal team emphasized that the question was posed discreetly, outside Lively’s presence, to avoid discomfort. Baldoni’s lawyer stated, “Even if this inquiry was, as Lively now portrays it, a sly criticism, any petty slight…is simply too trivial to constitute sexual harassment.”
The trainer, Don Saladino, provided a declaration in the case, recalling that he spoke with Baldoni around January 22, 2023, after Lively had shared his contact information. Saladino confirmed that Baldoni asked about Lively’s weight in connection with a scripted scene that required lifting. He noted that such inquiries about a client’s weight were unusual, and he felt Baldoni’s explanation was insincere.
Saladino expressed discomfort with Baldoni’s question and indicated he refused to provide weight information, suggesting the inquiry was inappropriate. He remarked that Baldoni appeared embarrassed after realizing he had asked about Lively’s weight without her consent.
The ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has captured public attention, particularly as new details emerge. The implications of their interactions raise broader questions about body image, professionalism, and respect within the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it will likely continue to attract scrutiny and debate regarding the treatment of actors and the responsibilities of those in positions of power.
As Lively seeks accountability for her claims, the discourse surrounding body image and wellness in Hollywood remains a critical conversation, underscoring the importance of respectful treatment in all professional environments.
