“She fell for him.” “He turned her down.” “This is just a revenge tactic.”

As Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively navigate their ongoing legal dispute related to “It Ends with Us,” Baldoni’s lawyers have shared behind-the-scenes footage featuring a romantic scene between the two.

This revelation has prompted fans to engage in the ongoing debate, largely siding with Baldoni, who is now being rumored to be the object of Lively’s “unreciprocated attraction.”

“I can’t believe she didn’t develop feelings,” commented a TikTok user. Another added, “Her version of events seems heavily swayed by her feelings.”

The clip, filmed on May 23, 2023, depicts the characters Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) and Lily Bloom (Lively) in a slow dance. In her December complaint against Baldoni, Lively referenced this scene to illustrate how he “disregarded established industry standards for filming intimate scenes and took advantage of the unregulated environment on set to act inappropriately.”

Baldoni’s legal team stated at the beginning of the video, “The scene in question was meant to portray the two characters developing romantic feelings and a desire to be near each other. Both actors are clearly acting within the context of the scene, displaying mutual respect and professionalism.”

In a response to YSL News on Tuesday, Lively’s legal team criticized the release of the footage as a “publicity stunt” by Baldoni’s lawyers, calling it a “continuation of their harassment and retaliatory efforts.”

While the actual dynamics between Lively and Baldoni remain unclear, the viral feedback highlights a broader issue for others in similar situations, explains Nicole Bedera, author of “On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence.” She notes that perpetuating gender biases and stereotypes, such as deeming Lively’s feelings unimportant, can hinder individuals who have faced sexual harassment from feeling secure in speaking out, adds Leora Tanenbaum, who is set to release a new book titled “Sexy Selfie Nation: Standing Up For Yourself in Today’s Toxic, Sexist Culture.”

Issues with the ‘she was just infatuated’ narrative

As the footage gained traction on platforms like TikTok and X, many users quickly criticized Lively.

“She doesn’t appear uncomfortable at all; she seems to be enjoying herself,” remarked one TikTok user. Another echoed, “She’s clearly leaning in!”

Bedera mentions that a common misconception in instances of sexual harassment or assault is the idea that women secretly “enjoy it” or “ask for it,” asserting that “portraying harassment as a mere crush aligns with this stereotype.”

Tanenbaum warns that the narrative suggesting Lively had an ‘unreciprocated crush’ feeds into harmful perceptions about women, particularly the assumption that they are overly focused on romance and will do anything to pursue it.

This kind of speculation not only adversely affects Lively but also diminishes the credibility of all women, Tanenbaum asserts.

“Sexual harassment against women is so prevalent that when someone finally speaks up, it’s crucial we believe them,” she emphasizes.

Reactions to Discomfort or Harassment Are Diverse

By speculating on Lively’s feelings of discomfort or lack thereof, viewers propagate the idea that there is a correct way to respond to sexual harassment. However, individuals can react in various ways during uncomfortable situations.

For instance, Bedera notes that women often respond to uncomfortable scenarios with laughter or smiles.

“It’s a learned behavior to ease tensions with men who have power over us,” Bedera explains. “However, this reaction is seldom depicted accurately in media portrayals of sexual harassment.”

Many women may not recognize some actions as harassment in real-time. A 2016 report by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that 25% of women reported experiencing harassment in the workplace, but that number jumped to 75% once specific unwanted behaviors were described to them.

Tanenbaum points out that the fear of retaliation and being taken seriously often deters individuals from reporting incidents.

How our reactions to the ‘It Ends With Us’ scene affect women

In conclusion, the reality of what transpired between Baldoni and Lively is still uncertain, and one video fails to provide the complete picture. While Lively may remain unaware of much of the online sentiment, victims of sexual harassment are very much aware of it.

“I fear that the intense criticism directed at (Lively) may discourage future victims from coming forward,” Tanenbaum expresses.

Contributing: Edward Segarra