Blake Lively claims she backed out of hosting ‘SNL’ Season 50 premiere over Justin Baldoni smear campaign

nypost.com:

accused him of sexual harassment on the set of “It Ends With Us” — as well as mounting a smear campaign against her.Lively’s lawyers claimed that some of her professional commitments, including her planned “SNL” hosting gig, were impacted by Baldoni and his allies’ alleged attempts to “destroy” her reputation.“The effects on Ms.

Lively’s professional life were immediate and substantial,” the complaint read. “Given the ongoing nature of the campaign and the associated negative public sentiment, Ms.

Lively did not believe she could proceed with public appearances or events without being forced to openly discuss what happened on set.”“For example, Ms.

Lively canceled a critical Target corporate event for her hair care company, and she backed out of her scheduled role to host the premier episode of the 50th anniversary season of Saturday Night Live in September 2024,” the lawsuit continued.“Hacks” star Jean Smart hosted the debut episode of “SNL” Season 50 on Sept.