Jenny Slate Calls ‘It Ends With Us’ Filming Experience ‘Gross and Disturbing’

Key Takeaways:

• Jenny Slate had a difficult time working with Justin Baldoni on the set of "It Ends With Us"
• Slate described Baldoni as "unfit" and "misogynistic" in text messages
• She accused Baldoni of making an inappropriate comment about her appearance on set
• Slate and Blake Lively have both taken their complaints about Baldoni’s behavior to the studio
• The ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has resulted in the unsealing of new evidence and documents, including Slate’s deposition

Introduction to the Controversy
The ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a new turn with the unsealing of new evidence and documents, including a deposition from Jenny Slate. The deposition, which was held in September 2023, reveals that Slate had a difficult time working with Baldoni on the set of "It Ends With Us". In the deposition, Slate described Baldoni as "unfit" and "misogynistic", and accused him of making an inappropriate comment about her appearance on set.

Slate’s Experience on Set
Slate’s text messages, which were read aloud during the deposition, paint a picture of a toxic and uncomfortable work environment. In one message, she wrote that Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath were "truly unfit" and that she was "repulsed and deeply irritated" by their behavior. She also described filming "It Ends With Us" as "a really gross and disturbing shoot", and claimed that she was not alone in her feelings. Slate’s experiences on set were not limited to her interactions with Baldoni, but also extended to her interactions with Heath, who she described as "truly unprofessional".

Inappropriate Comment
One of the most disturbing allegations made by Slate is that Baldoni made an inappropriate comment about her appearance on set. According to Slate, Baldoni said to her, "I can say this because my wife is here, but you look sexy in what you’re wearing." Slate characterized the comment as "not appropriate" and stated that it made her feel uncomfortable. She did not express her frustration with the comment in the moment, as she did not feel comfortable speaking up to her boss.

Support for Lively
Slate has been a vocal supporter of Lively throughout the legal battle, and has spoken out about the importance of believing and supporting women who come forward with allegations of harassment. In a statement, Slate called Lively "a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support" and commended her bravery in speaking out against Baldoni. Slate’s support for Lively is not surprising, given their close friendship and shared experiences on the set of "It Ends With Us".

The Ongoing Legal Battle
The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni began in December 2023, when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of "It Ends With Us". Baldoni responded with his own lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane, claiming civil extortion, defamation, breach of contract, and invasion of privacy. However, his suit was ultimately dismissed in June 2023, after a judge found that Lively’s claims against Baldoni are covered by litigation privilege and not considered defamatory.

Conclusion
The unsealing of new evidence and documents, including Slate’s deposition, has shed new light on the allegations against Baldoni and the experiences of the women who worked with him on the set of "It Ends With Us". As the legal battle continues, it is clear that the issues of harassment and misogyny in the entertainment industry are still very much alive. The bravery of women like Lively and Slate in speaking out against their abusers is an important step towards creating a safer and more equitable work environment for all. By sharing their stories and supporting one another, they are helping to bring about a much-needed change in the industry. Ultimately, the outcome of the legal battle will depend on the evidence presented and the decisions made by the court, but one thing is clear: the voices of women like Lively and Slate will not be silenced.