Blake Lively gets message of support from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars
Blake Lively's 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' co-stars have pledged "solidarity" to her after she sued Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and allegedly waging a smear campaign against her.
Blake Lively's 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' co-stars have pledged "solidarity" to her after she sued Justin Baldoni.
The 37-year-old actress has taken legal action against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director, alleging sexual harassment and accusing him of waging a smear campaign against her, and now America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn have issued a joint message of support for their friend.
The trio praised the "courage" of their "sister" in speaking out and expressed how "appalled" they felt when they read the allegations.
They wrote in a statement shared to Instagram: "As Blake's friends and sisters for over twenty 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.
"We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."
The actresses ended their statement urging fans to read the New York Times' in-depth reporting on the legal battle.
They added: "For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times."
In addition, Amber added extra comments on her Instagram Story, explaining she had been a "confidante" for Blake amid her "painful" experience making the movie.
She added: "I'm glad all of this has come to light with solid reporting and receipts. I ask you to please read the full article and specifically, the legal complaint at the link."
Blake submitted her 10-claim complaint with the California Civil Rights Department last week, in which she accused Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios and others involved with making the movie of sexual harassment and a "coordinated effort to destroy her reputation".
The star claimed the film was shot amid a "hostile work environment that nearly derailed production" and alleged a campaign against her was launched by the actor - who also directed the movie - and his company after its release.
What's more, the actress demanded "no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldoni's alleged previous 'pornography addiction', no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crew's genitalia, no more inquiries about Blake's weight, and no further mention of Blake's dead father".
According to the lawsuit, Sony Pictures - the company responsible for distributing the film - approved the former 'Gossip Girl' star's requests. But the actress has alleged that Justin subsequently engaged in a "social manipulation" campaign in a bid to "destroy" her reputation.
The actor - who has been dropped by his talent agency, WME in the wake of the claims - has denied the allegations and accused Blake of making an attempt to "fix" her own "negative reputation".
