Blake Lively accused of manipulating journalist in Justin Baldoni sexual harassment lawsuit.

A journalist reported that Blake Lively was used as a pawn in the public feud between her and Justin Baldoni.

Kjersti Flaa was named in Lively's sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni due to their work together in the film "It Ends With Us." After the movie's release, Lively has accused Baldoni of intentionally damaging her reputation through a smear campaign.

In August 2016, Flaa posted a video interview with Lively titled "The Blake Lively interview that made me want to quit my job" during the "It Ends With Us" press tour. Flaa seemed uncomfortable with Lively after she congratulated her on her pregnancy.

"The journalist stated that their name was only mentioned in the lawsuit with no context, as it was included in a headline from a news outlet covering Flaa's video. However, the lawsuit did not mention the journalist's video in detail because it was not related to Baldoni's campaign. Instead, the journalist's video was given to the New York Times, which used it to insinuate that the journalist had something to do with the campaign."

In the video, Flaa congratulated Lively on her "little bump," but Flaa was not pregnant at the time. Despite this, the video gained traction on social media, receiving over six million views on YouTube.

Flaa argued that her video being included in the lawsuit suggested she was involved in Baldoni's alleged smear campaign, but the journalist maintained she had no part in it. The New York Times, which initially reported on Lively's claim, pointed out that Flaa had posted footage of interviews with Johnny Depp during his trial against Amber Heard, noting that Depp was also a client of Baldoni's crisis PR representative.

"Flaa stated to The Ankler that it is in Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' interest to discredit me as a journalist and portray me as corrupt, as this would make her appear superior. The public is easily swayed and often believes the narrative that fits their needs at the time. This treatment was particularly hurtful to me because I am unable to defend myself. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are a dominant force in Hollywood, and they use me as a mere pawn."

A representative from Lively, The New York Times, and Flaa was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for additional comment.

Flaa wrote in a statement to USA Today, "Given that Lively's lawyers had access to thousands of pages of text messages and emails, it is difficult to accept their claim that they were unaware of my lack of involvement in the alleged smear campaign."

"It is even more concerning that The New York Times implied my involvement solely based on a hashtag from a Johnny Depp video on my YouTube channel from 2022."

Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath made detailed allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional affliction of emotional distress, negligence and more in a complaint filed with the California Civil Rights department and later in federal court.

The actress held an "all hands" meeting on Jan. 4, 2024 to discuss the alleged behavior of Baldoni and Heath, with her husband Ryan Reynolds present.

"Ms. Lively was obligated to confront issues regarding Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath's improper behavior with them personally, and she started doing so prior to filming, according to the complaint. The concerns she raised were not only for her own sake but also for the other female cast and crew members who had also voiced their opinions."

Lively stated in a previous interview with The New York Times that he hopes his legal action will expose the unethical tactics used to harm individuals who speak out about wrongdoing and safeguard those who may become victims of such tactics.

The Times reported that Lively denied spreading negative information about Mr. Baldoni or Wayfarer.

According to Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer, the claims made against them are false, outrageous, and intended to harm their reputation through sensational media coverage.

Freedman stated that Wayfarer and its executives and PR team did not take any proactive measures or retaliate against Lively. Freedman asserts that Lively's complaint is a "desperate attempt to repair her negative reputation."

Lively may also face a separate lawsuit from Baldoni's lawyer.

Lively's team verified her claims with solid evidence.

"Her lawyers stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the ongoing conflict between her and Wayfarer Studios is not a result of "creative differences" or a "he said/she said" situation. Instead, they claimed that Wayfarer Studios and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against her for attempting to protect herself and others on a film set. Furthermore, her lawyers asserted that Wayfarer Studios' response to the lawsuit has been to launch more attacks against her since she filed it."

Baldoni and his team are alleging there is more to come.

Freedman stated in a People interview that it is ironic that Blake Lively is accusing Justin Baldoni of weaponizing the media when her own team orchestrated the vicious attack by sending grossly edited documents to 'The New York Times' before filing the complaint.

Blake Lively used other people to communicate threats and bully her way to get what she wanted, according to Freedman. He added that this behavior is consistent with her past behavior and that they have all the evidence to prove it.