Actress Blake Lively and actor Justin Baldoni were once co-stars on the 2024 film It Ends With Us. Today, they are embroiled in heated civil litigation, with both parties accusing the other of serious wrongdoing. To complicate matters, Baldoni’s business partner, billionaire Steve Sarowitz, has questioned Lively’s intentions and threatened to ruin her life.
It Begins With It Ends With Us
This entire saga began on the set of the 2024 movie It Ends With Us. The initial battle featured co-stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Late last year, Lively stunned the entertainment community by filing a civil action against Baldoni, the film’s production company Wayfarer Studios (of which Baldoni is co-owner), and others, accusing them of creating a toxic and unprofessional work environment.
The situation on set deteriorated to such an extent that it led to a meeting between all concerned parties to address Lively’s concerns. She accused Baldoni and the Wayfarer team of engaging in inappropriate conduct, such as displaying photos of naked women and making inappropriate comments.
The Sarowitz Connection
Lively also contends that Wayfarer co-owner and the billionaire proprietor of the Paylocity corporation helped orchestrate a smear campaign intended to discredit the actress and her family for daring to voice her displeasure. According to published reports, Sarowitz’s name was mentioned several times in Lively’s lawsuit.
Tenets of Lively’s Suit
Lively filed the civil action on December 31 in a New York federal court. She is asking for damages including lost wages, emotional distress, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and promoting an unprofessional and downright toxic working environment. Those accused in the suit include Baldoni, Sarowitz, and a number of others affiliated with the production company.
“Wayfarer and its associates have violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her (Lively) for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns,” said the actress’s legal representatives. “Now, the defendants will answer for their conduct in federal court. Ms. Lively has brought this litigation in New York where much of the relevant activities took place but we reserve the right to pursue further action in other venues and jurisdictions as appropriate under the law.”
Baldoni’s Response
Baldoni vehemently denies Lively’s accusations. Moreover, he has initiated civil action of his own. The actor and producer recently filed a lawsuit against the New York Times. He seeks $250 from the publication believing that said entity had no right to go public with Lively’s initial claim.
Brian Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, calls Lively’s allegations “categorically false.”
“These claims are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media,” Freedman said.
Sarowitz’s Response
Sarowitz responded to Lively’s allegations harshly. In an interview with Forbes magazine, the corporate executive said that, in actuality, it is Lively who both initiated and continues to partake in a smear campaign against himself, Baldoni, and the Wayfarer team. Furthermore, Sarowitz claims that the actress has disseminated vicious lies against his business partners.
The publication USA Today reported that Sarowitz vowed to “ruin Lively’s life.” The payroll and human resource-providing entrepreneur whose business has expanded through satellite companies like Blue Marble and Payesacpe also stated that he is willing and able to spend up to $100 million of his own money for the purpose of discrediting Lively.
Sarowitz’s words and threats come as a surprise—and even disturb some—considering his history. Outside the corporate arena, he is a noted practitioner of the Baha’i faith, known for promoting values such as unity and peace. Additionally, he is a major proponent of education and educational initiatives.
Sarowitz has also garnered a favorable reputation for his philanthropic efforts. The film producer and businessman has donated large sums of money to various charitable causes.
