Intimacy Coordinator Is ‘Surprised’ Justin Baldoni’s Team Released ‘It Ends With Us’ Clip

Intimacy Coordinator Weighs In on Controversial 'It Ends With Us' Footage Released Amid Legal Battle

A recent behind-the-scenes clip from It Ends With Us, shared by Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, has sparked intense debate, particularly among intimacy professionals. The footage, released on January 21, shows Baldoni and co-star Blake Lively filming a slow dance scene in a bar, with no dialogue, but with Baldoni mic’d up. The video has become a focal point in the ongoing legal dispute between the two actors, which involves allegations of inappropriate behavior during filming.

The Legal Battle and The Released Clip

In the statement accompanying the clip, Baldoni’s team asserts that the footage refutes Lively's claims made in her legal complaint, which alleges that Baldoni behaved inappropriately during the scene. The clip, they argue, showcases a mutual respect between the actors, suggesting that Baldoni’s actions were in line with the nature of the scene—a romantic moment designed to show the two characters’ growing closeness.

However, Lively’s legal team vehemently disagrees with this interpretation. They argue that the video supports Lively's accusations, pointing to Baldoni’s repeated attempts to kiss her, unwanted physical contact, and remarks that made her visibly uncomfortable. They assert that the footage clearly reflects Lively’s efforts to avoid Baldoni’s advances, underlining her discomfort in the situation.

Intimacy Coordinator Weighs In

Enter Mia Schachter, an intimacy coordinator with experience on shows like Lessons in Chemistry and Insecure, who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the situation. Schachter, who was not involved in the production of It Ends With Us, emphasized that the role of an intimacy coordinator typically revolves around scenes involving simulated sex, nudity, or other explicit physical interactions. For a scene like the one in the clip—where no nudity or intimate contact was written into the script—it’s common that an intimacy coordinator would not be present.

The BTS video reveals that the script merely called for a slow dance between the characters in a bar, with the scene designed to portray the characters falling in love and becoming more drawn to each other. Schachter expressed surprise that the video, which doesn’t feature any explicit behavior, was the one released by Baldoni’s team. She noted that an intimacy coordinator would likely have been involved in the discussion if more intimate actions had been included in the scene.

Schachter further elaborated that, in a professional setting, discussions about comfort levels and boundaries are critical before filming. “If an actor knows what’s coming, they’re more likely to feel comfortable exploring the scene,” she explained. However, the lack of preparation and coordination for this particular scene, according to Schachter, suggests a lapse in communication that could have led to discomfort for Lively during filming.

The Importance of Respect on Set

Schachter also commented on the dynamics between Baldoni, Lively, and the rest of the production team. While Baldoni, as the director, holds authority on set, Lively, as a well-established star, certainly has significant influence. Schachter’s surprise at the release of this particular footage underscores a broader issue regarding how power dynamics can sometimes make it difficult for actors to speak up or set clear boundaries, especially when those in charge are also in close proximity.

The Fallout

Following the release of the footage, Lively’s legal team issued a pointed statement to Us Weekly, asserting that the video only reinforces Lively’s claims of misconduct. They describe Baldoni’s actions in the footage as indicative of harassment, citing the uncomfortable physical contact and verbal remarks he made during the scene. According to Lively’s team, the video paints a clear picture of a woman who, despite her discomfort, attempts to deflect unwanted attention in a workplace setting—a situation many women have faced, they argue.

Moving Forward

This legal battle between Baldoni and Lively has brought significant attention to the role of intimacy coordinators and the importance of clear communication on set. While the controversy surrounding the It Ends With Us footage continues to unfold, it raises broader questions about the standards of behavior on film sets, especially in scenes that involve physical intimacy. As the case progresses, it will likely continue to spark conversations about consent, professionalism, and the need for better protocols to ensure actors’ safety and comfort.

For now, it’s clear that intimacy coordination—whether on or off the set—remains a crucial component in creating safe and respectful working environments in the entertainment industry. The ongoing case highlights the importance of clarity, boundaries, and mutual respect, not just in front of the camera, but behind the scenes as well.