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Things are not looking good for Justin Baldoni, as the only female co-host on his podcast recently announced her departure. This all comes days after Blake Lively, Baldoni’s It Ends With Us co-star, blasted him in a legal lawsuit. In case you missed it, the two actors were promoting their summer film when they became engulfed in scandal. Thanks to loyal netizens online, many noticed the distance between Justin and Blake … and the rest of the cast during press interviews. After seeing that none of his co-stars followed him on Instagram, people began diving deeper to uncover what went on behind the scenes. At the time, the public was clearly Team Justin. However, after new information was released, the tide shifted. So, what’s going on now?
Liz Plank Leaves Justin Baldoni’s Podcast
Justin Baldoni hosts a weekly show called The Man Enough Podcast. It’s based on his book, Man Enough, which is supposed to tackle the topic of healthy masculinity. Throughout the publication, Baldoni, most known for starring in Jane the Virgin, portrayed himself as an ally to women. The podcast, co-hosted by Baldon, Liz Plank, and Jamey Heath, touches on similar topics, plus they tackle deeper conversations about accountability and domestic violence.
Shortly after the news of Blake Lively’s lawsuit went public, Liz, the show’s only female co-host, stepped down. “I’m writing to you today to let you know that I have had my representatives inform Wayfarer that I will no longer be co-hosting The Man Enough podcast,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for trusting me with your hearts and stories, for holding space for mine, and for making this show what it was. I will miss you, the listeners, so much. I love what this community created together with every fiber of my being, and that’s because of you.”
She went on to say that although she’s leaving the show, she’s dedicated to building a better society together. “Thank you for being here, trusting me, and for being by my side for the last four years. We all deserve better, and I know that together, we can create it.”
The Blake Lively Lawsuit
Liz Plank leaving Justin Baldoni’s podcast is likely the least of his worries. Blake Lively’s lawsuit, which was revealed on December 22, was full of shocking allegations. In the complaint, Blake, known for Gossip Girl, accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliatory behavior. In the legal documents, it’s said that Blake was subjected to alleged misconduct at the hands of Justin. It went on to say that Baldoni allegedly showed Lively sexually explicit images and videos and also asked about her personal sex life. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protects others who may be targeted,” she said in a statement to The New York Times.
Is Hollywood Turning On Justin Baldoni?
Following the reports of Blake Lively’s lawsuit, celebrities and notable organizations spoke out in her defense. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing over 160,000 performers in Hollywood, voiced their support of the star. “These are startling and troubling allegations,” the statement read. “We applaud Blake Lively’s courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment.” Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends With Us, also shared her support online. “@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.” High School Musical star Bart Johnson also took to social media, calling Baldoni a “fraud.” He blasted him for pretending to be a “hero” with a “man bun.” Johnson finished: “None of it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years.”
