lawsuit

Kate Beckinsale is making headlines as she files a lawsuit against the producers of her 2024 film, *Canary Black*. The actress, known for her roles in action-packed films, has accused Anton Entertainment and producer John Zois of negligence, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. This legal action, confirmed by Us Weekly, was initiated with an amended complaint submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on May 21. The lawsuit stems from Beckinsale’s experiences on set during the filming of *Canary Black*, which took place from late 2022 to early 2023. According to the legal documents, Beckinsale alleges that she was subjected to “unsafe and dangerous conditions” while working on the project, leading to “severe and debilitating injuries,” including significant trauma to her left knee. In her complaint, Beckinsale claims that she and her team consistently raised concerns about the hazardous conditions both on and off the set. These included excessively long shooting days that often lasted up to fifteen hours, inadequate medical support, and a lack of proper equipment to manage the physical demands of the work. Furthermore, she alleges that she was frequently left uninformed about the stunts she was expected to perform until the last possible moment. The complaint highlights that despite multiple warnings, the producers allegedly ignored the red flags and continued to prioritize profit over safety, placing Beckinsale in harm’s way. Originally, she filed the lawsuit under the pseudonym Jane Doe in December, but her amended filing has since revealed emails exchanged between her team and the producers, which detail her injuries, including a complex meniscus tear in her knee. In one email, Beckinsale’s agent, Shani Rosenzweig, expressed frustration over the unsafe conditions, stating, “If you’re trying to kill a person, you’re doing a great job.” This email demanded immediate action to rectify the dangerous filming environment, emphasizing that Beckinsale was often the last to know about the grueling schedule, while everyone else was aware of the long hours. In response to the complaints, Zois acknowledged the issues, stating, “I don’t know what else to say other than you’re right,” and agreed that the production schedule was unsustainable. However, the complaint alleges that the unsafe conditions persisted, with the production team continuing to push Beckinsale to perform dangerous stunts without proper preparation or training. The situation escalated further when Beckinsale injured her knee while filming an action sequence in December 2022, leading to surgery and a two-month production delay. Upon her return in February 2023, she presented a notice from her surgeon restricting her from engaging in activities such as running, kicking, or hanging from a harness. The complaint states that the production team disregarded these medical recommendations, resulting in further injury and exacerbation of her existing conditions. In addition to her legal battle, Beckinsale has also spoken out about the mistreatment she has faced in the industry. Inspired by Blake Lively’s recent legal issues with Justin Baldoni, Beckinsale has opened up about her own experiences on set, highlighting the need for change in how actresses are treated. *Canary Black*, which premiered on Prime Video in October 2024, features Beckinsale in the role of Avery Graves, a CIA operative whose husband is kidnapped by terrorists, forcing her to betray her own country to save him. Following the film’s release, Beckinsale shared images on Instagram showcasing the injuries she sustained while performing her own stunts, revealing bruises and cuts on her arms, hands, knees, and elbows. As the legal proceedings unfold, fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely. Beckinsale’s case brings to light important conversations about safety and treatment on film sets, particularly for women in action roles. Us Weekly has reached out to representatives for Zois and Anton Entertainment for comment, but as of now, the producers have not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the film industry, especially regarding safety protocols and the treatment of actors during production. As Beckinsale continues to advocate for herself and others in similar situations, her story serves as a reminder of the challenges many actors face behind the scenes, often hidden from the public eye. With her legal action, she aims not only to seek justice for herself but also to pave the way for safer working conditions for all performers in the industry.