Documentary First Podcast

What happens when a Hollywood star stands up to sexual harassment on set? In this episode, entertainment lawyer Anne Easton joins us to unravel the legal and ethical firestorm sparked by Blake Lively’s recent case. Blake Lively made headlines by accusing her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, of sexual harassment — and then faced an alleged smear campaign in retaliation. Anne brings an insider perspective from the world of entertainment law, helping us make sense of this high-profile Hollywood showdown in a conversational, insightful way.

We tackle tough questions around celebrity privacy and image rights — how much control can an actor really have over their image and personal information once a story goes public? We also examine how the Me Too movement has changed the film industry, and what it takes to create a truly safe workplace environment in filmmaking today.

Anne breaks down the concept of retaliation in plain language, exploring whether smear campaigns like the one Lively alleges can be considered illegal retaliation under entertainment law. She highlights what legal protections exist for those who speak up against misconduct, and where gaps still need to be filled. From the role of intimacy coordinators on set to new laws designed to protect whistleblowers, we cover it all in a clear, down-to-earth way.

Beyond this case, Anne’s perspective — shaped by years of advising both major studios and independent filmmakers — adds nuance to every insight. She even shares a peek at her own upcoming creative nonfiction book project, revealing her passion for storytelling beyond the courtroom. It’s a candid, eye-opening discussion that’s equal parts Hollywood drama and practical advice on building safer, more respectful film sets. Tune in to learn how Hollywood is changing and what it means for anyone who wants a safer, more equitable filmmaking world.

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction to the Blake Lively Case
03:12 Understanding the Legal Context
06:04 The Background of the Case
09:10 Claims of Sexual Harassment
12:04 Retaliation and Public Perception
14:52 Legal Implications for Filmmakers
17:59 Creating a Safe Set Environment
21:04 Navigating Power Dynamics on Set
23:55 Preventative Measures in Filmmaking
26:50 The Aftermath and Public Image Rights
32:39 Legal Standards for Public Figures
34:12 Image Rights and Public Figures
36:32 The Importance of Image Rights
40:42 Lessons from Blake Lively’s Case
42:27 Current Status of Legal Proceedings
45:26 The Importance of Behavior in Legal Matters
46:13 Understanding Your Rights in Media
48:08 Anne’s New Documentary Project