A former Wayfarer Studios employee called Justin Baldoni out for his “toxic positivity,” claiming his charitable efforts and actions in the workplace “felt phony.”
During a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, published Wednesday, one anonymous worker recalled how the actor allegedly recorded himself giving clothes to homeless people during his annual Skid Row Carnival of Love event in Los Angeles. They also claimed he requested employees sign their emails with “so much love.”
“It was constant positivity all the time — I would say toxic positivity,” the former staffer told the outlet. “I’m always a little dubious of people who advertise themselves as disruptors of the status quo or quote-unquote ‘good people.’ It felt phony.”
Other employees spoke out about their issues with Baldoni’s Baháʼí Faith being prominent in the workspace.
“There was an evangelizing aspect to the way Justin spoke about the faith that, in my opinion, felt professionally inappropriate,” an employee argued.
Several agreed that faith was heavily integrated into the company’s values and projects.
“Baháʼí values were a driving force behind everything they did,” the worker alleged. “It came up routinely.”
Baldoni, 41, and Wayfarer responded to the allegations, telling Page Six, “There have never been any reported complaints regarding the workplace culture, or any communicated issues regarding the platforms of its founders.
“If any guidance was ever provided to employees of how to conduct their written correspondence, it was to ensure that the activities of its employees remained professional and aligned with the ethos of the company.
“Wayfarer believes that joy and positivity are the essence of good work, and they stand by this statement.”
A rep explained to the Times that projects at Wayfarer are “rooted in a belief system that stems from various faiths and backgrounds” and that “employees are encouraged to celebrate and practice their individual beliefs however they see fit, a message which is proudly supported by leadership.”
Despite several critics speaking out against the “Jane the Virgin” star, Baldoni has garnered support from other former employees.
“He is highly creative and in tune with his spiritual side,” Melissa Ames, Baldoni’s former assistant, told the Times. “He has a heart for helping others. Working at Wayfarer was one of the best times of my life.”
Another former employee said they believed the “Five Feet Apart” producer’s heart is “truly in the right place.
“He’s a young guy who has gained access to a lot of money and has been figuring out how to run the company as he goes,” they shared. “He did a lot of stuff that was really helpful to a lot of people that no one knows about that far outweighs any mistakes.”
A third described Baldoni and his company as “exceedingly honorable and highly ethical.”
The comments regarding Baldoni’s alleged workplace environment come as his legal battle with Blake Lively, 37, continues.
In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against her “It Ends With Us” co-star for sexual harassment, which Baldoni has vehemently denied. He has since filed a countersuit.
The two will go to court in March 2026.
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