Taylor Swift and the ‘Feminist Tools’ Referenced by Justin Baldoni’s Crisis Team in Blake Lively’s Supposed ‘Destruction Plan’

Justin Baldoni’s Alleged Crisis Plan

Justin Baldoni’s Crisis Team brought up Taylor Swift and the notion of “weaponizing feminism” in their purported strategy to undermine Blake Lively.

On Friday (December 20), Lively lodged a complaint for sexual harassment and retaliation against her former co-star. According to TMZ, the lawsuit claims that Baldoni’s conduct inflicted “severe emotional distress” on Lively.

Details of the Controversy

According to USA Weekly, an August 6 email exchange between Baldoni and a crisis management expert included the statement: “We have seen the most innocuous problems become gigantic because of social problems, or the most enormous crises have no impact on social media at all. At this stage you just can’t tell. But BL has the same fan base as TS, so we’ll take it very seriously,” where “BL” stands for Lively and “TS” refers to Swift, a close friend of Lively’s.

Additionally, a “scenario planning” document from Baldoni’s crisis management team stated: “Our team may also explore planting stories about the weaponization of feminism and how people like Taylor Swift are accused of using these tactics to ‘scare.’ I want” (from USA Weekly).

The lawsuit also mentions a text message exchange in which Baldoni shared an X/Twitter thread discussing Hailey Bieber, allegedly to illustrate a planned astroturfing campaign against him.

This exchange revealed that Baldoni sent a screenshot detailing Hailey Bieber’s “history of abusing women,” accompanied by a message that read, “This is what we need.”

Speculations regarding tension between the two actors emerged in August, leading Lively to make accusations of sexual harassment and a campaign to “destroy” her reputation.

Baldoni’s attorney, Brian Freeman, labeled the allegations as “false, outrageous and intentionally obscene.”

On Saturday (December 22), it was reported that Baldoni had parted ways with his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME), which also represents Lively. According to Variety, the agency felt it was necessary for Lively to take immediate action in light of the serious allegations. WME had yet to comment on the situation at the time of writing.

NME reported that Baldoni’s legal team has requested a comment.

Support for Blake Lively

Meanwhile, Lively’s co-stars from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, have openly supported her.

The trio, who acted alongside Lively in the 2005 film and its 2008 sequel, issued a joint statement on Instagram in her defense.

“We stand in solidarity with her as she fights an alleged campaign to destroy her reputation,” the statement asserted. “Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we witnessed her bravery in demanding a safe workplace for herself and her co-workers on set, and we are horrified by evidence of these deliberate and malicious attempts to undermine her voice.

“What is most distressing is the shameless exploitation of the experiences of domestic violence victims to silence a woman seeking safety,” the statement continued. “The hypocrisy is staggering. We’re struck by the reality that even a woman as strong, famous, and resourceful as our friend Blake can face severe consequences for daring to advocate for a safe work environment.”

Ferrera, Tamblyn, and Bledel encouraged others to read the full legal complaint published by New York Times. “We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others,” they added.

For help, advice, or more information about sexual harassment, assault, and rape in the UK, please visit Charity website Rape Crisis. In the USA, visit RAINN.