In the realm of the entertainment industry, instances of sexual harassment sadly remain all too frequent. Even celebrities like Blake Lively, known for her role in Gossip Girl, have not been immune to such experiences.
What truly shocked many was the revelation that it wasn’t just anyone, but her makeup artist who dared to subject the actress to such harassment.
Compounding the distressing nature of Lively’s experience is the lack of support she received from powerful figures within the industry such as her show’s producers. However, Lively’s willingness to speak out about her ordeal serves as a reminder of the importance of amplifying the voices for advocating a systemic change to create safer work environments for all within the industry.
Blake Lively’s Brave Testimony against Harassment at the Gossip Girl set
During her twenties, while filming Gossip Girl, Blake Lively, like many young actors, faced a disturbing ordeal on set. Despite her young age, she encountered sexual harassment that shook her profoundly.
In a candid interview, Lively recounted the distressing experiences inflicted by a makeup artist she regularly worked with.
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Lively’s ordeal was the violation of her consent: being filmed without her knowledge or permission. Shockingly, despite her complaints, the harassment persisted for months, exacerbating her sense of vulnerability.
Blake Lively told the Los Angeles Times,
“He was saying things inappropriately, insisting on putting my lipstick on with his finger,” she told the publication. “I was sleeping one night on location and I woke up and he was filming me. I was clothed, but it was a very voyeuristic, terrifying thing to do.”
Regrettably, Lively’s story is not unique in the entertainment industry. High-profile figures like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Beckinsale have also spoken out about similar experiences, shedding light on the pervasive nature of harassment in Hollywood.
However, there is a glimmer of hope amidst these distressing revelations. In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards taking matters of harassment more seriously. As society becomes increasingly aware and socially conscious, there is a growing commitment to address these issues.
Blake Lively Takes Stand Against Workplace Harassment
Actress Blake Lively refused to remain silent about the issue and bravely voiced her concerns to the project producers. The outspoken Gossip Girl star recounted her experience of repeatedly raising complaints over three months, yet witnessing no tangible action being taken.
Blake Lively further stated to The Los Angeles Times,
“After three months of complaining, they called me into my trailer and said, ‘We need to talk to you.’ I thought, ‘Well finally, they’re going to do something about this man who I had to have touching me all day. And they said, ‘Your dog left a poop behind the toilet in your dressing room and our janitor had to pick it up. And this is very serious and we can’t have this happen again.’ ”
Faced with the apparent inaction, Lively took matters into her own hands, enlisting the support of her legal counsel. Upon launching an investigation led by Lively’s lawyer, it was determined that the makeup artist had engaged in inappropriate behavior with Lively.
As a result, he was removed from the unnamed project, he was working with. Despite this decisive action, Blake Lively was unable to prevent him from continuing to work in the industry.
The disconcerting narrative took a surprising turn when even after being dismissed due to allegations of sexual harassment, the makeup artist received a letter of recommendation from the production manager. This decision, apparently motivated by a desire to preserve harmony within the industry, underscores the intricate dynamics involved in addressing such matters within the field.
