1 week ago
12
Justin Baldoni Sued By Former Publicist Days After Blake Lively Complaint
Abigail Breslin is sharing her experience.
Following Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni, the Little Miss Sunshine star reflected on her own experience with toxic masculinity in the film industry.
"In light of recent events regarding the attempt to destroy the career and livelihood of a fellow actress and woman," Breslin began in her emotional message shared to Instagram Dec. 28, "I have felt compelled to write this, as I have unfortunately been subject to the same toxic masculinity throughout my life."
The 28-year-old pointed to her own legal battle, for which she did not provide specifics in the essay. (In November 2023, Breslin filed a lawsuit against her Classified costar Aaron Eckhart accusing him of "aggressive, demeaning, and unprofessional behavior" that she alleged placed her "in peril," according to documents obtained by Rolling Stone. Eckhart did not publicly respond.)
"In my recent career, I've brought forward concerns about a male colleague and was deemed 'hysterical,'" she noted. "I was told my fears were figments of my imagination. Now, as I'm seeing this pattern pop up more, I realize this is the norm."
Breslin explained that when her former employer filed a now-withdrawn suit against her after she made "a confidential complaint against a coworker for unprofessional behavior," she wrote that she had "the silly and naive impression they would believe me."
"I am not known as a liar in my field of work, no matter how vocal I may be," she added. "Hence, why I've been working for 25 years. Instead of being believed and protected, a suit was filed against me for having the audacity to speak up. I was publicly shamed and defamed in the process."
Breslin alleged that the reputation she cultivated was ultimately "tainted," and she was described as "crazy and paranoid" following her complaints.
"I was made to seem like someone who just goes after men," she explained, "rather than being seen as someone who has been dealing as a professional in this world, since I was a child, standing up for herself."
Breslin also recalled the explosive aftermath of the #MeToo movement in 2017, which she described as a "new wave of recognition for those who had been abused, degraded, slandered, silenced."
"It was loud," she wrote. "But it was the kind of noise I can only liken to a firework. It can wake you up out of a sound sleep, it burns so bright and shocks the s--t out of you but then, it burns out—just like that. And when the smoke in the sky clears and the ashes and debris are swept away from the sidewalk, behind closed doors—to them—we are still just noisy women."
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
She added, "So we all go about our business until the next wave of injustice comes."
With Lively accusing her It Ends With Us costar and director of sexual harassment and retaliation in a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department, Breslin questioned why the public is "always so excited to see the takedown of a woman." (Baldoni has since denied Lively's claims.)
"Why are we always so quick to defend a man after he is accused of bad behavior, but if a woman speaks out… she's clearly a liar?" the Zombieland actress asked. "I'd like to think it's because we are supremely afraid to believe the truth that these things actually happen. I'd like to believe it's some form of indoctrinated denial."
Breslin also questioned why women are expected to prove their "fear," "discomfort" and "pain," while men are "always innocent until proven guilty."
Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin / GC Images / Robert Kamau / GC Images
"It leads us to the impossible double-edged sword we face every day," she said. "If we don't speak up, we're weak and aiding in the problem. If we do, we are over dramatic, b--chy, bossy, divas."
"Here we find ourselves again, in a vicious cycle of crucifying another woman for speaking out against a man," she explained. "Watching as the world splits in two over who is telling the truth, no matter how much evidence is presented. Because how could a woman do anything but lie or exaggerate?"
She concluded, "To change the narrative, we do not need more women to scream. We just need a lot more men to shut up and listen."
Now, read on to see more celebs who reacted to Lively's complaint.
Instagram / Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover
After Blake Lively filed a legal complaint against It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the film's set and for later taking part in a smear campaign against her—claims that he has since denied via his lawyer—Colleen Hoover, who wrote the book that the movie is based on, shared a message to the actress.
"@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met," Colleen wrote on her Instagram Stories Dec. 21. "Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt."
Robyn Lively
Blake's sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively, also weighed in.
"I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety," Robyn wrote on Instagram Dec. 23, referencing the NYT piece that details Blake's complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. "It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister."
The Teen Witch star went on to note that it also "highlights" what Blake allegedly experienced on the set of It Ends With Us.
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Paul Feig
Blake's A Simple Favor director also came to her defense, writing on X Dec. 22, "I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this."
Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images
Amy Schumer
The comedian showed her support for the Gossip Girl alum, writing on her Instagram Story Dec. 22, "I believe Blake."
Joseph Agustin
Gwyneth Paltrow
Shortly after Blake's complaint was made public, the Goop founder shared a photo of The Town star's hair company, Blake Brown, on her Instagram Story, writing, "Just added to my Christmas wish list."
Instagram / America Ferrera
Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn & America Ferrera
Blake's BFFs and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars penned a joint message, posted to Instagram Dec. 22, stating they "stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation."
Noam Galai/WireImage
Bart Johnson
Bart Johnson shared an impassioned defense of his sister-in-law in the comments section of a New York Times Instagram post detailing the filing and its own investigation into the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
“Her complained were filed during the filming,” the High School Musical alum, who is married to Blake's sister Robyn, wrote. “On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spitting ignorance. His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is with out faults. But the public got played."
He later added on X of Baldoni, "He’s a fraud. He puts on the 'costume' of a hero, man bun and all. Used all of the trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts. None of it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years. Rewatch his videos with a more critical eye and watch him compliment and praise himself with faux humility and self deprecation. What a performance."
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Disney
Shawn Levy
Ryan Reynolds' frequent collaborator Shawn Levy shared the New York Times investigation into the smear campaign on his Instagram Stories, writing, "Proud to call @blakelively a friend."
Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
Amber Heard
Days after Lively's filing was made public, Amber Heard reflected on her own experience facing relentless vitriol online amid ex Johnny Depp's defamation trial against her.
“Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,’” the Aquaman star expressed in a statement to NBC News Dec. 23. “I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”
Brandon Sklenar
Brandon Sklenar, who played Blake's love interest Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us, had a simple, pointed message of support.
Sharing a screenshot of the Gossip Girl alum's full complaint against Baldoni on his Instagram Stories Dec. 23, he wrote over a link to the text, "For the love of God read this." He followed up by tagging her with a heart emoji.
John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images
Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate, who played Baldoni's sister and Blake's BFF in the film, shared her thoughts on the "disturbing" allegations.
“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,” Slate said in a Dec. 23 statement to Today. “Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.”
“What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening," the Parks and Recreation alum continued. "I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
Elisabetta A. Villa/WireImage
Michele Morrone
The actor, who stars alongside Lively in the upcoming sequel to A Simple Favor, sent his love to her on Instagram Story Dec. 23, adding that he felt her "pain" as they filmed together earlier this year.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US) ·