OPINION: Baldoni V. Lively: A Loss for Women No Matter Who Wins
By: Maya Tinajero, Skyline Desk Chief
ALPINE – 2024 box office success, “It Ends With Us,” has become the setting of ongoing lawsuits between the film’s two leading actors. With all the scandals occurring, the public quickly shared their thoughts on social media. From videos to comment sections, it seems as if everyone has something to say regarding the fallout. However, no matter whose claims are proven true, women everywhere are losing powerful representation.
According to the New York Times, Director and lead actor Justin Baldoni had repeatedly violated costar Blake Lively’s “physical boundaries” during shooting. When Lively sought out protection through a side letter attached to her contract, Baldoni and his team retaliated by planning a supposed smear campaign. After the allegations surfaced, Baldoni came forward with his details in a 224-page lawsuit. The lawsuit made accuses Lively’s husband actor Ryan Reynolds of acting aggressively towards Baldoni on more than one occasion.
In recent months, the dispute has become increasingly “messy” and that is perhaps why onlookers tend to overlook what is truly being lost in the situation. Other than his work in the film industry, Justin Baldoni is known to be recognized for challenging traditional masculinity and advocating for feminism. As seen in his podcast “Man Enough,” as well as various other projects, Baldoni continued to be open with his support of women’s empowerment. If Baldoni were to lose his credibility in this conflict, it would mean one less male ally for the feminist cause. A common mistrust has been highlighted due to the circumstances. There are those who believe male feminists are only supporting the movement to appeal to women and build their platform. If the claims Mrs. Lively has made against Baldoni are proven true, I expect that mistrust will only grow.
Considering the similarities, comparisons can be made to the Depp v. Heard case. After Amber Heard lost her defamation case against ex-husband Johnny Depp, she became the symbol of the “bitter woman.” It is one of the biggest stereotypes a woman must challenge when speaking out against harassment, and it is one actress Blake Lively is currently fighting herself.
If Lively’s accusations turn out to be false, she hurts all credibility of women everywhere. Meanwhile if Justin loses, he adds onto the already great disconnect between male and female feminists. While media outlets enjoy tapping into these scandals to increase views, I find it important that we all take a moment to snap back to reality. This is a lose-lose situation, and women are at the forefront.
