The ongoing controversy surrounding the film “It Ends With Us” has taken a surprising turn with the news that Justin Baldoni’s former publicist, Stephanie Jones, is suing two ex-employees. Jones alleges that these employees, Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, not only tarnished her reputation but also orchestrated a smear campaign against Blake Lively.
A Public Relations Nightmare:
Jones, a well-respected publicist with a roster of A-list clients, claims she entrusted Abel to manage Baldoni’s publicity. However, after sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni by Lively surfaced, things took a drastic turn. According to the lawsuit, Abel, with the help of crisis specialist Nathan, allegedly:
- Stole Clients: The lawsuit accuses Abel and Nathan of forming their own firm and poaching clients, including Baldoni, from Jones.
- Orchestrated a Smear Campaign: Jones alleges the duo secretly collaborated with Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios (the production company) to discredit Lively in the media.
- Shifted Blame: The lawsuit claims Abel and Nathan pinned the blame for the smear campaign on Jones, despite her supposed lack of involvement.
- Publicly Defamed Jones: Jones included text messages allegedly revealing Abel and Nathan’s negative views of Baldoni and their doubts about the film’s success. The messages also suggest animosity towards Jones.
Lively’s Lawsuit and the Fallout:
Lively’s initial lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others involved in “It Ends With Us” detailed accusations of sexual harassment and attempts to damage her reputation. The allegations ranged from inappropriate comments to script changes aimed at reducing explicit content. The lawsuit also highlighted disagreements over marketing strategies, with Lively favoring a more positive approach and Baldoni focusing on the film’s domestic violence themes.
Unanswered Questions and a Tarnished Image:
This new lawsuit by Jones raises further questions about the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding “It Ends With Us.” It remains unclear to what extent, if any, a smear campaign against Lively actually occurred. Additionally, the public perception of Baldoni and the film itself has undoubtedly been tarnished by the ongoing controversy.
