Blake Lively Responds to Allegations in Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni
In a notable legal situation, actress Blake Lively has publicly addressed her recent decision to withdraw emotional distress claims from her ongoing lawsuit against actor Justin Baldoni. Lively's legal team has strongly disputed Baldoni's assertions, suggesting that her withdrawal is linked to her supposed refusal to provide relevant medical records.
During this turbulent chapter, Lively's lawyers, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, labeled Baldoni's claims as nothing more than a "routine part of the litigation process that is being used as a press stunt." According to them, this tactic reflects a desperate attempt by Baldoni’s team to gain media attention while Lively’s focus remains on preparing her case for trial.
They further clarified that Lively continues to assert allegations of emotional distress alongside other serious claims such as sexual harassment and retaliation, seeking significant damages across all claims.
A key document, filed by Lively's team on June 2, indicates that both parties had previously held a teleconference and agreed to drop the emotional distress claims, with Lively’s team making “modest revisions” that went unchallenged by Baldoni’s representatives. However, shortly after this agreement, Baldoni’s team filed a motion suggesting Lively’s withdrawal was contingent upon her unwillingness to share essential medical details concerning her emotional distress.
Lively’s letter to Judge Lewis Liman also requested that the emotional distress claims be dismissed without prejudice, allowing for the potential to refile them in the future if desired. Baldoni’s team responded sternly, alleging that Lively was attempting to keep her options open while not providing the necessary documentation to refute her claims, a move they interpreted as manipulative.
In retaliation, Lively’s team dismissed Baldoni’s accusations as “intentionally misleading” both to the court and the public. They insisted that Lively had not refused to provide any required materials contrary to what Baldoni's camp has suggested.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal entanglement between Lively and Baldoni escalated following Lively’s filing of a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, 2024. This lawsuit came after the release of their jointly starred film, It Ends With Us, adapted from the popular novel by Colleen Hoover. In her complaint, Lively accused Baldoni and others associated with his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of executing a “sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation” against her for voicing grievances regarding alleged misconduct during filming.
Specifically, Lively claimed that she, along with other cast members, experienced “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior” from Baldoni and others on set, stating that this led to significant professional and personal harm.
Reactions from the Media and Public Support
The unfolding drama has drawn attention from various media outlets, particularly following a report published by The New York Times highlighting the alleged smear campaign against Lively, referencing her CRD complaint. In the wake of this exposure, numerous celebrities have expressed support for Lively. Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends With Us, praised her for her honesty and character on social media, reflecting a wave of public sympathy for the actress.
Additionally, cast members from their film have also come forward, voicing their allegiance to Lively during this difficult time.
As the legal confrontation evolves, it is clear that both sides are preparing for a potentially protracted battle, with the next court date set for March 9, 2026. The ongoing disputes showcase not only the complexities of Hollywood dynamics but also the broader theme of accountability in workplace conduct.
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