Michele Morrone has joined the growing list of celebrities publicly supporting Blake Lively as she navigates legal allegations against her It Ends With Us director and costar, Justin Baldoni.
The 34-year-old Italian actor, known for his role in the upcoming A Simple Favor 2 alongside Lively, shared his thoughts in a heartfelt video posted to his Instagram Story on December 23.
“It’s usually not my thing to make those kind of videos. But I think it’s time to stand up for a person that I really love, and this person is Blake Lively.
Morrone began.Advertisement
Reflecting on his experience working with Lively.
I felt something was wrong, and I felt the pain. We had the opportunity to talk about [it], me and her. Blake was in pain.
Morrone noted
Morrone also linked to The New York Times coverage of Lively’s legal complaint, which includes allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation by Baldoni. He criticized the public for making “cruel and bad comments” about Lively without understanding the full situation.
Blake, I love you so much. Keep it up, and we’re going to see each other very, very soon.
He ended his message with a note of encouragement for his costar
Growing Support for Lively
Morrone isn’t the first of Lively’s costars to speak out in her defense. Brandon Sklenar, who starred alongside Lively in It Ends With Us, previously shared her complaint on his Instagram Story with the caption, “FOR THE LOVE OF GOD READ THIS.”
Suggested: Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us Costar Brandon Sklenar Breaks Silence on Justin Baldoni Allegations
As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation. Blake is a leader, loyal friend, and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.
Jenny Slate, another of Lively’s collaborators, also released a statement of solidarity
Allegations Against Baldoni
Lively’s complaint, filed ahead of a potential discrimination lawsuit, accuses Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and others of orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. She alleges Baldoni engaged in “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” that caused her “grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety.”
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has denied the claims, calling them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt.” In a December 23 statement, Freedman also addressed the smear campaign accusations, stating that “audiences found Lively’s own actions, interviews, and marketing during the promotional tour distasteful.”
Source: People