Actor Blake Lively’s December 31, 2024, lawsuit against Wayfarer Studios, LLC, director and producer Justin Baldoni, and several others associated with the movie It Ends with Us has cast a spotlight on evolving employment law issues within the entertainment industry. The case underscores the developing nature of workplace standards and serves as a critical reminder for entertainment employers to ensure compliance with both legal obligations and workplace ethics on and off the set.
Legal Claims
In her 93-page complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Lively alleges several workplace misconduct violations, including, among other things, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (“Title VII”), along with claims under state and local laws. Lively contends defendants subjected her to a harassing and hostile work environment on the basis of her sex/gender. The allegations include inappropriate physical contact and conversations, and the failure to take immediate corrective action despite being aware of the alleged misconduct. Lively further contends that she faced retaliation after reporting the alleged misconduct to her employer when defendants allegedly engineered a “social manipulation” campaign to damage her reputation. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges Lively’s privacy was invaded while breastfeeding or pumping milk on set.
Key Considerations for Entertainment...
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