US director loses feminism award amid harassment allegations
Justin Baldoni has lost a women advocacy award following allegations of sexual harassment and a smear campaign made by his co-star, Blake Lively. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Blake Lively has initiated legal action against Justin Baldoni just days after he was honored for his advocacy on behalf of women and girls.
American actor and film director Baldoni, who recently starred alongside Lively in the romantic drama "It Ends With Us," has had his women's solidarity award revoked following Lively's accusations of sexual harassment and efforts to tarnish her reputation. The film, which delves into issues of domestic violence and emotional abuse, was a significant project for both actors.
On December 9, Baldoni was presented with The Voices of Solidarity Award by Vital Voices, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering women. The organization stated that the award “honors remarkable men who have shown courage and compassion in advocating on behalf of women and girls,” which Baldoni received for his dedication to gender equality. He has frequently labeled himself as a feminist and an ally of the #MeToo movement, which aims to combat sexual violence.
However, on Monday, Vital Voices announced the revocation of their award, citing the “disturbing” allegations detailed in Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni. The nonprofit expressed that the claims of “abhorrent conduct” outlined in the lawsuit were “contrary” to the “values and the spirit of the Award.”
Lively filed her lawsuit on Friday, alleging that Baldoni and Jamey Heath, the lead producer of "It Ends With Us," engaged in “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior.” She asserts that Baldoni and Heath participated in “inappropriate misconduct” towards her and other cast members during the film's production. Additionally, Lively claims Baldoni orchestrated efforts to “destroy” her reputation following the film's release, reportedly enlisting a crisis public relations expert to devise a “multi-tiered plan” aimed at smearing her image through negative social media narratives.
Baldoni’s attorney has dismissed Lively's allegations as “false” and characterized them as “yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her reputation,” which has faced scrutiny since the film's premiere. After the release, Lively garnered negative media attention, with certain outlets calling her “tone-deaf” in her promotional efforts and pondering if she was “set to be canceled.”
Despite the initial focus on Lively, the situation has turned adverse for Baldoni, who has since faced significant backlash. Besides losing his award, he has also been dropped by his talent agency, WME, which ceased representation of him on Saturday. Additionally, he is facing a lawsuit from his former publicist for an alleged breach of contract. Numerous actors and influential figures in the film industry have voiced their support for Lively through social media in light of the lawsuit.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
American actor and film director Baldoni, who recently starred alongside Lively in the romantic drama "It Ends With Us," has had his women's solidarity award revoked following Lively's accusations of sexual harassment and efforts to tarnish her reputation. The film, which delves into issues of domestic violence and emotional abuse, was a significant project for both actors.
On December 9, Baldoni was presented with The Voices of Solidarity Award by Vital Voices, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering women. The organization stated that the award “honors remarkable men who have shown courage and compassion in advocating on behalf of women and girls,” which Baldoni received for his dedication to gender equality. He has frequently labeled himself as a feminist and an ally of the #MeToo movement, which aims to combat sexual violence.
However, on Monday, Vital Voices announced the revocation of their award, citing the “disturbing” allegations detailed in Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni. The nonprofit expressed that the claims of “abhorrent conduct” outlined in the lawsuit were “contrary” to the “values and the spirit of the Award.”
Lively filed her lawsuit on Friday, alleging that Baldoni and Jamey Heath, the lead producer of "It Ends With Us," engaged in “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior.” She asserts that Baldoni and Heath participated in “inappropriate misconduct” towards her and other cast members during the film's production. Additionally, Lively claims Baldoni orchestrated efforts to “destroy” her reputation following the film's release, reportedly enlisting a crisis public relations expert to devise a “multi-tiered plan” aimed at smearing her image through negative social media narratives.
Baldoni’s attorney has dismissed Lively's allegations as “false” and characterized them as “yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her reputation,” which has faced scrutiny since the film's premiere. After the release, Lively garnered negative media attention, with certain outlets calling her “tone-deaf” in her promotional efforts and pondering if she was “set to be canceled.”
Despite the initial focus on Lively, the situation has turned adverse for Baldoni, who has since faced significant backlash. Besides losing his award, he has also been dropped by his talent agency, WME, which ceased representation of him on Saturday. Additionally, he is facing a lawsuit from his former publicist for an alleged breach of contract. Numerous actors and influential figures in the film industry have voiced their support for Lively through social media in light of the lawsuit.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
