Robyn Lively Defends Sister Blake Lively In Wake Of 'It Ends With Us' Allegations
Robyn Lively, Blake Lively's sister, is defending her sibing following allegations she made against "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni.
Actress Robyn Lively is standing by her sister Blake Lively’s side in her time of need.
Amid the actress’s legal battle against “It Ends With Us” director and co-star Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation came support from her eldest sibling via a passionate Instagram post.
In it, the “Teen Witch” star defends her younger sister while urging the public to be considerate of the sensitive matter Blake is currently facing.
Robyn Lively Asks Fans Not To Make ‘Snap Decisions’ About Blake Or Other Celebrities
In her Instagram post, published on December 22, the elder Lively sister began by imploring others to take in the full details of Blake’s case against Baldoni.
“I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety,” Robyn wrote, adding:
“It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister. It also highlights the truth and what really happened, what she actually endured during the filming of ‘It Ends With Us.’”
The NYT article, released in tandem with Blake Lively’s complaint with the California Civil Rights Deptartment, alleges that Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath came together to create a smear campaign involving the 37-year-old "Gossip Girl" actress.
In the lawsuit, Blake cited multiple issues with Baldoni on the set of “It Ends With Us,” including his supposed propensity of sharing details of sexual encounters that lacked consent, and attempts to add scenes to the script where her character would be nude or portrayed in a sexualized manner.
Baldoni and Heath have denied all allegations.
Robyn Shows Love To Her ‘Mama Bear’ Of A Sister
Robyn would later mention in her Instagram post that despite being familiar with her sister’s work, the public doesn’t know Blake as a person.
“We live in an age where we have access to people’s personal lives like never before - especially actors,” she continued, writing:
“It makes us feel like we know them. We see them on social media, watch clips of them, and make snap decisions about their character. The only reason I can comment on this is because I’m guilty of it too. We all are. The truth is - we don’t know them.”
Robyn then called her younger sister “one of the kindest, most honest and loving humans” she knows.
“Blake isn’t a villain,” the "Savannah" actress added, writing:
“She’s a mama bear to her core, a loving and supportive wife, a sister, a friend, and someone who worked her ass off on a film in abominable working conditions.”
Robyn Expresses How ‘Proud’ She Is Of Blake For Telling Her ‘Truth’
Among the many criticisms Blake received during the promo run for “It Ends With Us” was her attempt to emphasize the more lighthearted traits of her character, Lily. As it was written in her complaint, she was reportedly asked by the studio not to focus on the film’s narrative of domestic violence.
“The ‘truth’ in the tabloids is hardly ever what you think,” Robyn (seen with Blake, youngest sister Lori, and mother Elaine, above) explained, “but honesty prevails. Today is a good day. My gratitude is boundless for your kindness here and consideration for my sister.”
In closing, Robyn gave Blake flowers by expressing how “proud” she was of her.
“[I’m] proud that she has handled herself with such grace and didn’t cave, that she didn’t allow herself to be silenced in the face of adversity and lies,” she wrote, adding:
“I hope this gives others the strength to do the same.”
Others Have Shown Blake Support In Her Time Of Need
Since the matter on Lively and Baldoni broke, those who know the actress and have worked with her closely have released statements of support.
Author Colleen Hoover, the original novelist of “It Ends With Us,” was one of the first to speak on Blake’s behalf.
“[Blake], you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met," Hoover wrote on her Instagram Stories on December 21. "Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt."
Similarly, her three co-stars from “The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants” franchise – America Ferrara, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn – came together for a joint statement, sharing they “stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation."
Some, like comedian Amy Schumer, who has never worked directly with Blake, gave simple words that spoke volumes.
“I believe Blake,” she wrote on her Instagram Story.
What Has Happened Since The Story Dropped
In the days following Lively’s claim and the NYT article, Baldoni was dropped by talent agency WME. They have not released further comment.
Through his lawyer, Baldoni called the actress’s accusations “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media."
“It Ends With Us” can currently be streamed on Netflix.
