Justin Baldoni disclosed explicit handwritten notes regarding It Ends With Us sex scenes, which he claims became central to Blake Lively’s sexual harassment complaint.
His amended lawsuit, filed on January 31, includes a photo of two pages of notes allegedly from a meeting with an intimacy coordinator.
Justin Baldoni stated that he met with the intimacy coordinator in April 2023 to discuss filming sex scenes. According to alleged text messages in the lawsuit, Baldoni offered Lively a chance to meet with the intimacy coordinator before filming, but she declined, responding, “I feel good. I can meet her when we start 🙂 thank you though!”
Because Lively skipped the meeting, Baldoni said he was left in the difficult position of delivering these notes to her in person. He claimed to have relayed them to her at her penthouse, emphasizing that the situation was “less than ideal.”
The notes detailed ideas for the sex scenes, using explicit phrases like “goes down on her” and references to “orgasm” and “foreplay.”
Baldoni’s legal team argues that these notes later became the foundation of Lively’s complaint. She alleged Baldoni frequently discussed his sex life and included unnecessary scenes featuring her character’s orgasms.
By early May 2023, Baldoni claimed he had discussed Lively’s comfort level regarding these scenes. That same month, they filmed the engagement scene, which involved a scripted kiss. Baldoni’s filing states that an intimacy coordinator was not required since the scene only involved kissing, not nudity or simulated sex.
Baldoni’s legal team released a 10-minute behind-the-scenes video from the film’s set, showing him and Lively slow-dancing closely. In the footage, Baldoni suggested adding kisses, while Lively insisted the characters should only talk. His legal team believed the video supported their case, portraying the interaction as professional.
However, Lively’s lawyers condemned the release of the footage, calling it incriminating. They argued that Baldoni, who served as both her co-star and director, improvised the moment without consent or discussion. They pointed out how Lively leaned away, trying to avoid unwanted physical contact while repeatedly requesting a dialogue-only approach.
Lively’s legal team emphasized that her behavior in the video reflected discomfort familiar to women facing inappropriate workplace interactions. They stated no woman should need to take defensive measures to avoid physical contact with their employer. They argued that the power dynamics at play made the situation particularly problematic.
Beyond the intimacy concerns, Lively’s complaint described her character’s birth scene as chaotic and lacking standard protections for filming nude scenes.
Baldoni’s amended complaint countered that Lively remained covered throughout the scene and that it did not involve nudity or partial nudity.
After the Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strikes ended, the film resumed production. Before returning to set, Lively reportedly required an intimacy coordinator to be present at all times whenever she was on set. This request underscored her concerns about on-set protocols.
Lively is currently suing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others for alleged sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. Baldoni has denied the allegations and countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, accusing them of defamation and extortion. Lively’s legal team dismissed his countersuit as baseless.
During the film’s press tour, Baldoni and Lively were kept separate when addressing questions about intimacy coordinators. Baldoni told Harper’s Bazaar India that intimacy coordinators were essential, stating that their presence helped ensure safety while also enhancing the film’s quality.
Lively, in contrast, told Digital Spy that having an intimacy coordinator was critical. She compared their role to stunt or dance choreography, arguing that actors should not be expected to improvise intimate scenes without careful coordination. She insisted that proper choreography was necessary to maintain safety and professionalism on set.