Blake Lively distressed after filming with problematic director

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Michele Morrone has opened up about Blake Lively’s emotional distress following her experience on the set of “It Ends With Us” alongside Justin Baldoni.

The Italian actor took to Instagram Stories on Monday to express his solidarity with Lively through a heartfelt video message. Despite typically avoiding such public statements, Morrone felt compelled to speak up for his “A Simple Favor 2” co-star.

ET can confirm that Ryan Reynolds writing a scene for IT ENDS WITH US that made it into the final cut of the film did indeed come as news to Justin Baldoni, who found out only after Blake Lively revealed it in a red carpet interview. pic.twitter.com/OhYs2llkza

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) August 27, 2024

“So it’s usually not my thing to make these types of videos, but I think it’s time to stand up for a person I really love, and this person is Blake Lively,” the Italian actor said.

Their connection developed during the filming of the sequel to Lively’s 2018 film “A Simple Favor,” where Morrone noticed signs of distress in his colleague. The “365 Days” actor revealed that private conversations with Lively confirmed his initial concerns about her well-being.

“I felt something was wrong, and I felt the pain, and then we had the opportunity to talk, me and her,” he shared.

Morrone expressed frustration at online critics who dismissed Lively’s experiences before understanding the full situation. He directed his 15.7 million followers to a New York Times article detailing the circumstances, urging them to educate themselves before making judgments.

The actor concluded his message with a touching show of support: “Blake, I love you so much. Keep it up, and we’re going to see each other very, very soon. Love you.”

The discussion stems from Lively’s recent legal complaint against Baldoni, who both directed and starred opposite her in “It Ends With Us.” The complaint alleges sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, including claims that Baldoni shared inappropriate content and made unwanted sexual references during production.

I do not believe that Baldoni needed to socially engineer backlash against Blake lively. Blake did that to herself when she got married on a plantation, defended Woody Allen, used a film about DV to promote her hair care line, and gave rude mocking interviews. #BlakeLively pic.twitter.com/uKUSjoZdgF

— CaydenNextDoor (@CaydenNextDoor) December 22, 2024

The filing details a confrontational meeting where Baldoni was instructed to cease showing Lively inappropriate material and discussing his personal sexual history. The actress also requested professional supervision during intimate scenes with Baldoni.

Responding to the allegations, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated: “It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations. These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.”

The controversy has led to professional consequences, with WME talent agency terminating their representation of Baldoni, while maintaining their relationship with Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Support for Lively has continued to grow, with fellow actors from “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “It Ends With Us” co-star Brandon Sklenar joining those standing by her side.