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Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa has denied any involvement in the alleged smear campaign against actress Blake Lively, orchestrated by director Justin Baldoni and his PR team. The controversy stems from Flaa's resurfaced 2016 interview with Lively, which gained attention amid heightened tensions between the It Ends With Us co-stars. Flaa, however, asserts her actions were independent and unrelated to any calculated effort to harm Lively's reputation.
In her video statement posted on Threads and YouTube, Flaa addressed accusations fueled by a New York Times report. "I have nothing to do with this. I would never take part in anything like that. It's an insult to me," she declared. Flaa explained that her decision to reshare the contentious interview in August 2024 was coincidental, motivated by her dissatisfaction with Hollywood and the film itself. "I had a bad experience with Blake Lively and decided to post the video after seeing the movie," she clarified.
The interview in question, conducted during the promotion of Café Society, was notably uncomfortable. Lively allegedly ignored Flaa and commented dismissively on her "little bump." Flaa described the interaction as demoralizing, adding that it contributed to her frustration with the entertainment industry. The timing of the video's release coincided with growing media scrutiny of Baldoni's alleged workplace behavior, fueling speculation about Flaa's role in the unfolding drama.
Blake Lively's complaint, filed on December 22, 2024, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us and claims he orchestrated a campaign to tarnish her career. Among the allegations are claims that Baldoni discussed explicit topics with cast members and showed inappropriate images during production. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them "false, outrageous, and salacious."
Flaa, mentioned in the New York Times piece about the case, rejected any ties to Baldoni's PR strategy. She described herself as "shocked and appalled" upon learning about the alleged smear campaign. "Reading the lawsuit and text messages exchanged between Baldoni's team, I was as disgusted as everyone else," Flaa stated. She emphasized that her actions were solely her own and not influenced by external parties.
This controversy highlights the volatile intersection of personal grievances, workplace dynamics, and public perception in Hollywood. While Flaa distances herself from the feud, the allegations against Baldoni underscore ongoing challenges within the industry. Both sides have continued to deny culpability, leaving fans and critics divided over the truth behind this escalating conflict.
