Rahul Kohli Weighs In On Justin Baldoni's Alleged 'Walking Red Flag' Amid Lawsuit

Actor Rahul Kohli is underscoring the crucial role of intimacy coordinators on film sets in the wake of Blake Lively's recent lawsuit against "It Ends With Us" director and co-star Justin Baldoni.

In recent years, intimacy coordinators have become an essential part of Hollywood productions, tasked with ensuring that actors feel safe, respected, and comfortable while filming vulnerable or intimate scenes. The conversation surrounding their importance has grown significantly, and Lively's lawsuit has reignited discussions about the necessity of these safeguards on set.

Now, Rahul Kohli has added his voice to the conversation, highlighting the importance of creating safer, more transparent environments for performers.

Actor Rahul Kohli is highlighting the vital role of intimacy coordinators in the wake of Blake Lively's sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.

“I’ve had this happen a couple of times recently in the past, and now seems like a relevant time to bring this up. Stop asking actors or the director if we would like an intimacy coordinator present for the scene,” the 39-year-old wrote on his Instagram Stories. “It should just be mandatory at this point.”

While Kohli was not a part of the production of "It Ends With Us," he reflected on his experience on sets. “We don’t get asked if we would like a stunt coordinators, they are always present for our safety and advice. This should be no different. And it is almost always put on the actresses like ‘I’m good without one, are you?’ Leaving them to have to either pass or speak up. F-ck that.”

He emphasized that refusing to work with an intimacy coordinator is a clear red flag and a strong indicator that something isn’t right, telling his followers, “You want intimate scenes in your film/show? You hire an intimacy coordinator. If anyone has a problem working with one, they’re a walking red flag."

The lawsuit filed by Blake Lively accused Baldoni of ignoring well-established industry protocols when "filming intimate scenes, and exploited the lack of controls on set to behave inappropriately.”

“Without these protections in place, Mr. Baldoni improvised physical intimacy that had not been rehearsed, choreographed, or discussed with Ms. Lively, with no intimacy coordinator involved,” the lawsuit stated. “For instance, Mr. Baldoni discreetly bit and sucked on Ms. Lively’s lower lip during a scene in which he improvised numerous kisses on each take."

It added, "Mr. Baldoni insisted on shooting the full scene over and over again, well beyond what would have been required on an ordinary set, and without advance notice or consent.”

In her complaint, Lively specifically referenced a meeting held in January during the production of "It Ends With Us" to address her concerns before returning to set.

Her requests included: “no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldoni’s alleged previous ‘pornography addiction,’ no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crew’s genitalia, no more inquiries about Blake’s weight, and no further mention of Blake’s dead father.”

Although Justin Baldoni has denied the allegations, the fallout has been swift. His talent agency, WME— which also represents Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds—has dropped him. Additionally, Liz Plank, his co-host on the Man Enough podcast, announced her departure on Monday.

Meanwhile, women’s non-profit Vital Voices rescinded their Solitary Award, which Baldoni received just a week prior.

Several co-stars, including Jenny Slate and Brandon Sklenar, have openly shown their support for Lively.

“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,” Slate said. “Blake is a leader, loyal friend, and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her. “What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”

"It Ends with Us" author Colleen Hoover has also shown her support for Blake Lively.