Justin Baldoni, best known for his acting and directing career, is facing mounting controversy as allegations surface regarding his conduct on the set of It Ends With Us. 

According to reports, Baldoni, a devout follower of the Baha’i faith, is accused of integrating his religious beliefs into the filmmaking process in ways that some found uncomfortable. 

These accusations come amid an ongoing legal battle with actress Blake Lively, who has filed a lawsuit against him for alleged sexual harassment.

Religious Influence on Set Sparks Concern

A recent report from The Hollywood Reporter claims that Baldoni’s faith played a significant role on the set of It Ends With Us, 

with sources alleging that he often sought divine guidance before making creative decisions. 

Additionally, crew members reported experiencing an “unusual” level of physical contact, such as frequent hugging, which some found unsettling.

An anonymous source told the outlet, “On the first day of filming, several members of the crew participated in a Baha’i prayer. While some were comfortable with it, others felt it blurred the line between personal beliefs and professional conduct.”

The Baha’i faith, which originated in 19th-century Iran, emphasizes unity and the equality of all people. However, the way Baldoni reportedly incorporated his religious practices into the filmmaking process has drawn criticism. A female executive who attended a meeting with Baldoni’s company, Wayfarer Studios, described feeling uncomfortable when participants were asked to share something personal that brought them joy—something she saw as an unnecessary imposition of his beliefs.

Blake Lively’s Allegations and Legal Battle

Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni has added another layer to the controversy. While she does not explicitly mention his religious practices in her legal complaint, reports suggest that the influence of Baha’i beliefs was an underlying issue on set. Lively expressed concerns over Baldoni’s decision to cast his best friend—a fellow Baha’i—in an undisclosed role without consulting her.

Additionally, Lively’s lawsuit includes claims that Baldoni made alarming statements, such as his alleged ability to “speak to the dead.” This claim appears to stem from Baldoni’s past discussions about the afterlife, particularly in his 2017 project What If Birth and Death Are Actually the Same? and a more recent appearance on the Gent’s Talk podcast, where he stated, “The people that love us the most that aren’t here anymore are guiding us in beautiful ways.”

Religious scholars have noted that while Baha’i teachings encourage spirituality, there is little reference to contacting the dead. Zackery Heern, a professor at Idaho State University and a member of the Baha’i faith, told The Hollywood Reporter, “The Baha’i writings don’t say much about séances or speaking to the dead, and it’s not something that’s encouraged.”

Hollywood’s #MeToo Movement and Baldoni’s Image

Baldoni, who has publicly championed feminist ideals and progressive views, is now facing scrutiny that appears to contradict his carefully curated public image. His approach to directing has been described as deeply emotional and personal, something that some colleagues have found refreshing while others see as intrusive.

One individual who worked with Baldoni on Five Feet Apart in 2019 recalled that he frequently spoke about his religion on set. While some crew members appreciated his passion, others felt it created an uncomfortable environment.

One former colleague, who spoke anonymously, defended Baldoni’s approach, saying, “I’ve never worked with a male director who was so concerned with the emotional and mental well-being of his cast and crew. There was an openness to his leadership style that you don’t usually see in Hollywood.”

However, another source criticized Baldoni for what they saw as an overly idealistic approach to filmmaking. “He genuinely believes that if we operate like a family, we’ll work better together. There’s an arrogance to it—he doesn’t want to acknowledge the world we actually live in,” the insider remarked.

What’s Next for Baldoni?

As the controversy unfolds, Baldoni has yet to publicly respond to the allegations regarding his religious influence on set. Representatives for the actor-director have been unavailable for comment.

With Lively’s lawsuit still ongoing and Hollywood’s post-MeToo era bringing heightened awareness to workplace boundaries, Baldoni’s professional and personal reputation could be at stake. While some supporters believe his intentions were sincere, critics argue that his approach blurred ethical and professional boundaries.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.