Justin Baldoni is the man in the eye of the storm. He is facing public anger after actress and Hollywood darling Blake Lively accused him of sexual harassment. She also alleged that he hired a firm to assassinate her character afterward. But who is Justin Baldoni? Here’s all you need to know about Baldoni and his battle to preserve his reputation.
Justin Baldoni is an American actor and director who has made an incredible mark in the movie industry. He started as an actor and played significant roles in notable movies. However, it is his prowess as a director that has earned him more recognition in the industry.
Born on January 24, 1984, the 40-year-old was bred in Los Angeles, California. He took his first shot at acting in 2014 when he played Rafael Solano in the telenovela “Jane the Virgin.” The series ran up until 2019. Since then, his hard work, talent, and determination have seen him feature in dozens of movies and series. Let’s look at some of Justin Baldoni’s movies and TV shows.
Baldoni portrayed Jason in 2005’s “The Helix…Loaded” and Peter in the horror/thriller movie “After Dusk They Come” (2009). He also acted as young Barry Minkow in 2018’s “Con Man” and Graham Darros in 2010’s series “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Other projects he’s played in include “CSI: NY” and “Madam Secretary.”
Justin Baldoni is married to Emily Foxler, 40, a talented Swedish actress. They have two kids from the 11-year-old marriage. He has revealed that he suffers from ADHD, and he is a devoted member of the Bahai Faith—a monotheistic religion that originated in the Middle East.
ALSO READ: Elton John and David Furnish Celebrate 10th Wedding Anniversary
What Happened Between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?
Right now, Justin Baldoni’s career and reputation are on the line following damning accusations from his colleague, Blake Lively. Lively has now filed a civil rights complaint against him with the California Civil Rights Department. A lawsuit is likely to follow.
It all started after Lively and Baldoni played lead roles in the movie “It Ends With Us.” The movie is a screen adaptation of a book of the same name. Authored by Colleen Hoover, the novel shot into the limelight and became a hit. Aside from doing well on the bookstore shelves, it also became a sensation on social media for its compelling story.
The book is about a woman, Lily Bloom, who, in her childhood, was a witness to domestic abuse. She later grew up to become a victim herself in the hands of her boyfriend, Ryle Kincaid. Her first love, Atlas Corrigan, completed the love triangle.
Social media was agog with celebration after Justin Baldoni announced in 2019 that he would be adapting the novel into a movie. The volume of the jubilation increased when he announced that Blake Lively would be playing the role of Lily Bloom. Baldoni himself played the role of Kincaid, the abuser, while Brandon Sklenar acted as Corrigan.
The movie finally emerged in August 2024 and was a success as expected, grossing $350 million worldwide. But underneath the smiles and celebrations, a sexual harassment allegation was brewing. Blake Lively said Baldoni abused her on the set of the movie. She also alleged that he hired a crisis publicity firm to smear her on social media while they promoted the movie.
The Consequence of the Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively Drama
Baldoni has since denied the accusations. While speaking to the press, his attorney called the allegations “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” His denial of the allegations hasn’t been enough, as Justin Baldoni is already taking a hit.
Recently, the organizers of an award he received have withdrawn their presentation. Baldoni received the Voices of Solidarity Award on December 9, 2024, for the movie. The award organizer, the Vital Voices Global Partnership, celebrated the director for his “courage and compassion in advocating on behalf of women and girls” through the movie.
However, the women empowerment-focused nonprofit organization made a U-turn on December 23. They announced they would take back Baldoni’s award due to the alleged “abhorrent conduct” in Blake Lively’s accusation. The organization stated that Baldoni’s alleged acts ran “contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the Award.”
ALSO READ: TikTok Prankster Charles Smith Faces Felony Charges for Spraying Pesticide on Walmart Fresh Produce
What Movies Has Justin Baldoni Directed?
How much of an impact the allegations will have on Justin Baldoni’s career is yet to be seen. As expected, the director is deploying some of the best legal assistance to clear his name.
Justin Baldoni has built an enviable reputation as a director, having created blockbusters and notable movies such as 2019’s “Five Feet Apart,” “Clouds” (2020), and “The Senior” (2023). He also directed the comedy-drama “Ezra” (2024) and the documentary film “Will & Harper.”
How Did Justin Baldoni Meet His Wife?
The accusations against Baldoni could also affect his marriage. Justin Baldoni’s wife, Emily Foxler or Emily Baldoni, 40, married the actor and director in 2013. They met during work after she relocated to the United States.
In an interview, Justin Baldoni said he was drawn by her accent and her talent. He recalled thinking, “Soon as that accent goes away, she’s going to be a leading lady in American movies.”
What Is Justin Baldoni’s Ethnicity?
As the name probably already suggests, Justin Baldoni has Italian roots. His father is of Italian ancestry, while his mother is from a Jewish home. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Justin Baldoni is worth $4 million. He has earned this much from his acting and directorial career and as an entrepreneur.
You Might Also Like:
Tesla Recalls Nearly 700,00 Vehicles Due to Issues That Increase “Risk of Collision”
Elton John and David Furnish Celebrate 10th Wedding Anniversary
Jeff Bezos Shuts Down Rumors That He and Lauren Sanchez Are Set To Wed
TikTok Prankster Charles Smith Faces Felony Charges for Spraying Pesticide on Walmart Fresh Produce
Everything We Know About the Drama Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
