It seems that even celebrities are not immune from workplace claims. In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter are joined by their Troutman Pepper Locke employment law partner, Sara Longtain, to discuss the movie It Ends With Us and the real-life lawsuits sparked by it. Tune in as the trio discusses alleged conduct that occurred on set and in the marketing of the film, resulting in lawsuits filed by Blake Lively for sexual harassment and Justin Baldoni for defamation. The conversation focuses on what employers can take away from this competing litigation, including the importance of harassment policies, best practices for avoiding retaliation claims, and how to combat the use of social media as a tool for misconduct. This episode is sure to be interesting for employers in all industries.

Transcript: Harassment in the Celebrity Workplace: Insights From It Ends With Us (PDF)


Troutman Pepper Locke’s Labor + Employment Practice Group provides comprehensive thought leadership through various channels. We regularly issue advisories that offer timely insights into the evolving employment law landscape, and maintain the HiringToFiring.Law Blog, a resource spotlighting best practices for employers. Our Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosted by Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter, delves into pressing labor and employment law topics, drawing unique parallels from pop culture, hit shows, and movies.

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Photo of Tracey Diamond Tracey Diamond

Tracey Diamond counsels clients on workplace issues, provides harassment training, conducts internal investigations, drafts policies and procedures, negotiates employment and severance agreements, advises on independent contractor, FMLA and ADA compliance issues, and partners with clients to structure their workforce in the most efficient…

Tracey Diamond counsels clients on workplace issues, provides harassment training, conducts internal investigations, drafts policies and procedures, negotiates employment and severance agreements, advises on independent contractor, FMLA and ADA compliance issues, and partners with clients to structure their workforce in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Photo of Emily Schifter Emily Schifter

Emily is a partner in the Labor + Employment Practice Group, where she represents clients in a variety of labor and employment-related matters, including employment discrimination, leave, disability accommodation, and wage and hour litigation. Additionally, she counsels employers on many aspects of employment

Emily is a partner in the Labor + Employment Practice Group, where she represents clients in a variety of labor and employment-related matters, including employment discrimination, leave, disability accommodation, and wage and hour litigation. Additionally, she counsels employers on many aspects of employment law and human resources issues, including employee handbooks, policies and restrictive covenants drafted under various states’ laws for a variety of circumstances, including as part of mergers and acquisitions.

Photo of Sara Longtain Sara Longtain

Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Sara provides employers strategic, business-focused advice and legal representation in a full spectrum of employee-related matters. She has experience with employee disputes at all stages, including pre-suit demands, administrative…

Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Sara provides employers strategic, business-focused advice and legal representation in a full spectrum of employee-related matters. She has experience with employee disputes at all stages, including pre-suit demands, administrative proceedings, and lawsuits involving wages/hours (FLSA), harassment, discrimination, retaliation (Title VII, ADEA), and contract disputes. Sara works with clients on personnel training, workplace investigations, and related policies. Her experience also includes executive compensation, employment, and restrictive covenant agreements; employee and contractor classification, pay practices (overtime, travel time); and performance management, effective discipline, and employment separations (cause terminations).