Adam Mondschein, who appeared in Finish with ushas responded to Blake Lively’s claims about the filming of the film’s controversial birth scene.
In an interview with Page sixMondschein, who played obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Dunbar, disputed Lively’s accusations that the scene was “invasive and humiliating,” arguing instead that the actress was the most powerful person on set.
He claimed that as a producer, Lively inserted herself into every creative decision and was “very confident and firm” rather than the “withered flower” her legal complaints might suggest.
The issue stems from a lawsuit Lively filed against her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, which was settled in a “last-minute settlement” on May 4, 2024 to avoid a lengthy trial.
In her docs, Lively alleged that she was “disturbed” by Baldoni’s choices, specifically stating that she cast a “best friend” as an OB-GYN for a scene in which the actor’s face and hands were “almost” very close to her. [fully exposed]”.
She described the experience as “violative” and suggested that a local actor should have been cast in the role.
However, Mondschein has taken personal offense at the implication that he was unqualified or that the set was unprofessional.
With an MFA from UCLA and a track record at the Tony Award-winning Acting Company, the actor called Lively’s version of events “insulting” and “contrary to reality.”
He clarified that during the crucial hospital scene, Lively was “completely covered,” dressed in a hospital gown, black shorts, and a prosthesis.
“There’s nothing to see. Nothing to look at,” he insisted, explaining that his focus was primarily on a “live baby” covered in raspberry jelly and cream cheese to simulate a birth.
Mondschein also defended Baldoni’s intentions for the film, which was an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel.
He explained that Baldoni’s goal was to highlight important conversations about domestic violence and the responsibility men have in those discussions.
While Lively’s lawsuit previously accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and fostering a toxic environment, Mondschein maintains that the director put his heart into the project to ensure the best possible story was told for fans.
The settlement between the two stars ends a public and bitter legal battle that has overshadowed the film since its production.
While the terms of the settlement remain private, the judge and magistrate reportedly pushed for a settlement to prevent the case from being dragged out.
For Mondschein, the priority remains setting the record straight in a scene that he believes was handled professionally, despite the “humiliating” picture painted in the legal documents.
