UPDATE 12/23 - 6:00 PM EST: Vital Voices, the organization behind the Vital Voices Solidarity Award, has decided to withdraw an award recently given It ends with us director Justin Baldoni In his ongoing legal battle with Blake Lively.

"The Voices of Solidarity Award honors remarkable men who have shown courage and compassion in advocating for women and girls," a statement shared via Instagram Read Monday, December 23. “On December 9, 2024, we recognized Justin Baldoni with this award. On Saturday, December 21, we learned through news reports about a lawsuit Blake Lively brought against Mr. Baldoni, her publicist and others alleging disturbing and hateful behavior. The communications between Mr. Baldoni and his promoters in the case — and the PR efforts they imply — alone, are contrary to the values ​​of Vital Voices and the spirit of the award."

Vital Voices confirmed in the statement that it had "informed Mr. Baldoni that we have revoked this award."

Original story below:

Hasan Minhaj respected Justin Baldoni It was only a week before the news broke as an ally for women's rights Blake Livelycase against It ends with us director

It seems a moment between two men congratulating each other on becoming women's allies has not aged well. Earlier this month, Minhaj, 40, honored Baldoni at the 2024 Vital Voices Solidarity Awards, according to Official websiteis an "awards program that honors extraordinary men of courage and compassion in advocating for women and girls worldwide."

After the Dec. 9 event hosted by the nonprofit Vital Voices, Baldoni wrote via Instagram that he was "deeply honored and humbled" to receive the 2024 Vital Voices Solidarity Award "presented by my soul brother (Minhaj)".

Minhaj acted in it It ends with us Baldoni and Lively as well as Marshall, 37.

“Thank you, brother, for using your brilliant mind to challenge us all and make us laugh at the same time. Nobody does it better,” Baldoni's post continued. "Thank you for being a true friend and always showing up — but most importantly, when the cameras aren't rolling."

Baldoni, who hosts a podcast called "Man Enough" about modern masculinity and gender roles, wrote that it was "difficult to accept the award when it's so clear there's still so much work to be done."

"My hope is that we can teach our boys, while they're still young, that vulnerability is strength, sensitivity is a superpower, and empathy makes them strong," she continued. "They should love and embrace their masculinity - that being a boy and a man is amazing and that there's nothing to apologize for. And to value all the beautiful and complex parts of them that make them human. I believe with all my heart that once If our boys learn to be safe places for themselves, our world will finally be a safe place for everyone."

On Friday, December 20, a week after Baldoni accepted the award, Lively filed a A case of sexual harassment against him with allegations that he created a "hostile work environment". It ends with us The set and the actress caused "serious emotional distress".

According to the lawsuit, which was received our weekly It is reported by later TMZ And The New York TimesA meeting was held during the film's production in January to address Lively's claims against her costar.

Lively's demands for the meeting included “no more nude videos or pictures of women being shown to Blake, no mention of Baldoni's previous allegations. 'Addiction to pornography,' There are no more discussions of sexual conquest in front of Blake and the others, no more references to the cast and crew's genitalia, no more inquiries about Blake's weight, and no more references to Blake's dead father."

in a statement ourBaldoni's lawyer Brian Friedman Lively addressed the allegations as "completely false, offensive and intentionally defamatory," claiming she filed the lawsuit to "fix her negative reputation" and "restore a narrative" about the film's production. He alleged that Lively made "multiple demands and threats," including "threats not to show up on set, threats not to promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise upon release if her demands were not met."

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Baldoni and his team conducted a smear campaign against Lively to tarnish her reputation. Earlier this year, social media was the subject of a firestorm surrounding the promotion for the actress It ends with usWhen it was revealed that he and Baldoni had a fight on set.

"There were two camps in the film - Team Blake and Team Justin," a source said Exclusively stated our In August "this creative struggle sets the tone for negative experiences behind the scenes and grows between them no longer spoken."

Minhaj was on his side Ask about this alleged conflict with a sept EsquireHe said he "can't speak to other people's experiences" on set, noting that "everyone was very professional and calm to me."

She added, "It was beautiful and everyone was beautiful, and it's kind of disappointing for me, because I'm like, 'What happened? Wait, what's happening?'

in a statement The New York Times On Saturday, Lively — who was supported by several stars including It ends with us the writer Colin Hoover and producers Alex Sacks— said, "I hope that my legal action will help pull back the curtain on these horrific retaliatory tactics for those who speak out about misconduct and help protect those who may be targeted." He denied spreading negative information about Baldoni.