Justin Baldoni's Women's Solidarity Award Revoked Following Harassment Allegations

The award, presented by Vital Voices, was pulled amid claims of sexual harassment and attempts to discredit Lively’s reputation following legal action she initiated against Baldoni.

 

Justin Baldoni's recognition at the recent Vital Voices ceremony in New York has been reversed in light of troubling allegations made by his co-star Blake Lively. The award, intended to honor men advocating for women's rights, was rescinded after Lively filed a legal complaint accusing Baldoni of "abhorrent conduct" and conducting a smear campaign against her.

Vital Voices, an organization committed to empowering women, announced the revocation just weeks after Baldoni received the award, during which he expressed his commitment to fostering empathy among young boys. Lively's accusations claim her public image was attacked following discussions about alleged repeated sexual harassment and other inappropriate behavior by Baldoni during the filming of "It Ends With Us."

In her complaint to the California Civil Rights Department, Lively outlined a series of demands made during a meeting with Baldoni and the film's producer to address their alleged misconduct, which included avoiding certain topics like Baldoni's purported "pornography addiction." Furthermore, Lively claimed Baldoni and his team orchestrated a retaliatory campaign against her, employing a crisis management firm to manipulate public perception and launch a digital smear campaign.

Baldoni's legal representatives have vehemently denied the accusations, referring to them as "categorically false" and asserting that Lively’s actions stemmed from her own demands and threats regarding the film's production. The fallout from these allegations raises significant questions about the treatment of women in Hollywood and the accountability of powerful figures within the industry.