By Eili Cordova
Dec 23, 2024, 11:12 PM EST
Journalist and author Liz Plank announced her decision to leave ‘The Man Enough’ podcast, co-founded with actor and director Justin Baldoni, after recent accusations legal proceedings filed by actress Blake Lively against the director and his team.
Plank’s announcement, made through social networks, It comes in a context of serious accusations against Baldoniwho faces allegations of sexual harassment and fostering a toxic work environment during the production of ‘It Ends With Us’. In her statement, the author of ‘For the love of men: From toxic to a more conscious masculinity’ expressed gratitude towards the program’s audience and reflected on his decision:
“I thank our community for trusting me with their hearts and their stories. I will miss them greatly, but moving forward is necessary as I process what happened.”
Baldoni’s ‘It Ends With Us’ Co-Star Blake Lively filed a complaint pointing not only to the actorbut also to his company Wayfarer Studios and executives Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath.
According to the legal document, those involved are accused of conspiring to silence those who denounced the hostile environment created during production. Lively also denounced alleged attempts by Sarowitz to ruin her and her family’s reputation.
Additionally, the actress claims that Baldoni and his team manipulated the film’s promotional approach, using content on domestic violence to protect the public image of the directora strategy that contradicts the initially agreed approach for the marketing campaign.
Baldoni’s response
Baldoni has denied all allegations. His public relations team, headed by Jennifer Abel, issued a statement indicating that the controversy is due to a “smear campaign” orchestrated by Lively and other critics of the actor. According to his lawyer, Bryan Freedman, the actions of his crisis management firm were consistent with the usual handling of high-pressure media cases.
Launched in 2021, ‘The Man Enough’ podcast sought to redefine modern masculinity, addressing topics such as gender roles, mental health and social expectations. However, the accusations have raised questions about the coherence between the values promoted by the program and the actions attributed to Baldoni and his team.
Meanwhile, Liz Plank reiterated her support for victims of injustice: “I will continue to support those who demand accountability and stand up to those who abuse their power”he concluded.
Continue reading:
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- Blake Lively accuses “It Ends With Us” studio of launching smear campaign against her
- Who is Justin Baldoni?; the actor sued by Blake Lively for sexual harassment