Vital Voices, a women’s empowerment non-profit organization, has rescinded its Voices of Solidarity Award from actor Justin Baldoni following allegations made by his “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively.
The award, presented on December 9 in New York by comedian Hasan Minhaj, recognizes men who advocate for women and girls. Upon receiving it, Baldoni expressed his commitment to teaching young boys about vulnerability and empathy through an Instagram post.
The organization withdrew the honor after Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. The complaint alleges sexual harassment by Baldoni and a producer, followed by what she describes as a coordinated campaign to damage her reputation. Lively’s filing details 30 specific demands made during a meeting, including script changes and personal conduct restrictions.
Lively’s legal document claims Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios employed a crisis manager who orchestrated a “digital army” to post seemingly authentic social media content against her. The “Gossip Girl” actress’s role in “It Ends With Us” involves playing a character in a relationship with Baldoni’s character.
Baldoni’s legal representative, Bryan Freedman, states the allegations are “categorically false.” According to Freedman, they hired crisis management only after Lively allegedly threatened to not participate in filming or promotion unless certain demands were met. He characterizes her claims as “intentionally salacious” and aimed at publicly damaging Baldoni’s reputation.
Vital Voices confirmed they had notified Baldoni of their decision to revoke the award, citing that the alleged conduct conflicts with their organizational values.
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