In a promotional interview for It Ends with Us, Blake Lively candidly addressed the role of intimacy coordinators on set. Responding to a comment about her stepping in as an intimacy coordinator for certain scenes, Lively clarified:
“That shouldn’t be happening by the way. I just want to be clear that you should not be the intimacy coordinator. You should definitely hire intimacy coordinators, which we did have.”
The lighthearted exchange quickly turned into fuel for critics. A behind-the-scenes clip showing Lively demonstrating how Baldoni should pull her in for a scene added to the uproar. The video resurfaced on social media, prompting a flood of negative comments from users calling her “entitled” and “insufferable.”
A Lawsuit That Shook Hollywood
The tension between Lively and Baldoni escalated when Lively filed a federal lawsuit against her co-star and director, accusing him of improvised intimacy that allegedly crossed professional boundaries. Her claims, as reported by In Touch Weekly, painted a troubling picture:
“Mr. Baldoni improvised physical intimacy that had not been rehearsed, choreographed, or discussed with Ms. Lively, with no intimacy coordinator involved.”
The lawsuit also alleged Baldoni repeatedly kissed Lively without prior notice, pressured her to perform nude scenes, and improvised actions such as biting her lip during takes. Lively’s legal team emphasized these incidents as clear breaches of professional conduct.
Baldoni, however, has vehemently denied the allegations, countering with claims that Lively refused to collaborate with the film’s intimacy coordinator. His lawsuit against The New York Times accused the publication of creating a biased narrative to sensationalize the controversy.
Social Media Reactions: A Trial by Public Opinion
As clips and quotes from the promotion tour began circulating online, public opinion polarized. Social media users were quick to share their thoughts:
- “Even her body language makes her seem entitled and stuck up.” – @BethAnders1010
- “I hope his attorneys caught that there is video evidence.” – @lbca81
- “She thinks we’re blind and we’re not!” – @ChrisDashx
The intensity of online discourse has only added to the film’s fraught legacy, with fans and critics alike dissecting every move, word, and gesture from both stars.
The Bigger Picture: The Role of Intimacy Coordinators in Modern Filmmaking
The controversy surrounding It Ends with Us has reignited important conversations about the role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring safe and respectful work environments on film sets. While both Lively and Baldoni have presented conflicting accounts, the debate highlights the necessity of clear communication and professional boundaries in emotionally charged projects.
A Tangled Web of Accusations
As lawsuits fly back and forth, the It Ends with Us scandal has morphed into a high-profile legal and public relations battle. With both sides presenting starkly different narratives, the resolution of this drama remains uncertain. One thing is clear: the legacy of It Ends with Us will likely be defined more by its off-screen controversies than its on-screen storytelling.
For now, all eyes remain on Lively, Baldoni, and the legal system as fans and industry insiders alike await the final act of this unfolding saga.