America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, the cherished co-stars of Blake Lively from “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” have publicly voiced their unwavering support for their friend amidst serious allegations. Lively has accused Justin Baldoni, the director and actor in her upcoming project “It Ends With Us,” of sexual harassment and initiating a smear campaign to damage her reputation.
In a powerful joint statement released on social media, Ferrera, Tamblyn, and Bledel, known for their enduring bond since the beloved “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” films, declared their solidarity with Lively. “As Blake’s friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,” the statement began, highlighting the deep connection formed during their time filming “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and beyond.
The statement further detailed their perspective on the situation, drawn from Lively’s experience during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” “Throughout the filming of ‘It Ends with Us,’ we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice. Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.” Their words underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the alleged retaliatory actions against Lively for speaking out.
The actresses, who captured hearts worldwide with “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and its sequel, emphasized the broader implications of Lively’s experience. “We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment,” they stated. Their statement resonated with the ongoing conversation in Hollywood and beyond regarding workplace safety and the challenges faced by women who speak out against misconduct. They lauded Lively’s bravery, adding, “We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others. For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times.”
Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel first shared the screen in 2005’s “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” a film that resonated with audiences for its portrayal of female friendship and personal growth. They reprised their roles in the 2008 sequel and have maintained a close bond, often referred to as ‘sisters’ by fans and media alike, mirroring the close-knit relationships depicted in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Their off-screen camaraderie has further cemented the legacy of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” as a symbol of female solidarity. Last year, the quartet made headlines with a reunion to celebrate Ferrera’s Oscar nomination for “Barbie,” showcasing their continued support for each other’s professional achievements.
The legal complaint filed by Lively details alleged text messages and emails purportedly from Baldoni and his publicity team. These communications, as outlined in the complaint, suggest a strategy to counter potential public disclosure of Lively’s concerns about on-set conduct during the production of “It Ends With Us.” According to the complaint, “Mr. Baldoni and his Wayfarer associates embarked on a sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation for Ms. Lively exercising her legally-protected right to speak up about their misconduct on the set, with the additional objective of intimidating her and anyone else from revealing in public what actually occurred.”
Bryan Freedman, legal counsel for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, has responded to Lively’s complaint, dismissing the allegations as “shameful” and “categorically false.” However, despite this denial, support for Lively has also come from Colleen Hoover, the author of “It Ends With Us.” Hoover publicly acknowledged Lively’s character and professionalism, stating on social media, “You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
The outpouring of support from her “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” family and the author of the source material underscores the gravity of Blake Lively’s allegations and the significant conversation they have ignited within the entertainment industry and beyond, highlighting the importance of safe working environments and the courage it takes to speak out.
