Blake Lively drops emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni in ongoing Lawsuit
Blake Lively’s surprising move to drop emotional distress claims shifts focus to the core sexual harassment case, intensifying a high-profile legal battle that could reshape Hollywood’s workplace culture.
Blake Lively has withdrawn her claims of wilful and negligent infliction of emotional distress against Justin Baldoni in their ongoing suit over the production of "It Ends With Us." This follows after the lawyer for Baldoni requested permission to view Lively's medical records, which she declined. Lively's attorneys characterized the withdrawal as a standard legal tactic to streamline the case for trial, adding she is still pursuing damages on other major claims. Both cases will go to trial in March 2026.
The litigation between Baldoni and Lively began when Lively accused Baldoni of being responsible for making the set of "It Ends With Us" a hostile workplace. She accused Baldoni of making lewd comments and acting in a manner that caused her to suffer emotional distress. In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit against Baldoni, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicists, accusing them of extortion and libel. The case has attracted much media attention based on the high-profile status of the people involved.
Blake Lively drops emotional distress claims; sexual harassment case proceeds
The withdrawal of the claims of emotional distress has left uncertain the fate of the court proceedings. Legal commentators have suggested that the move might have been made on a strategic basis to avoid the disclosure of private medical information. However, the general complaints of sexual harassment and retaliatory acts have not been withdrawn under the existing lawsuit. The court will be addressing these issues during the trial in the not-too-distant future.
The scandal over the making of the film has also seen the public scrutinize the actors themselves. There have been reports of tensions on set, with some staff members describing a tense working relationship between Lively and Baldoni. Such dynamics have added complexity to the legal battles and the public's fascination with the case. In the run-up to the trial, more details will be forthcoming.
Lively vs. Baldoni case may set new workplace and legal standards in entertainment
The outcome of this legal battle can have wide-reaching consequences on the individuals affected and the wider entertainment industry. It highlights the challenges for professionals in maintaining correct behavior in workplaces, particularly where there are high levels of stress involved like film studios. The case may also influence industry standards and protocols for workplace conduct and legal recourse.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni co-starred in "It Ends With Us" together, their on-screen chemistry contrasting with off-screen legal disputes. Photo: GC Images
As the court case continues, Lively and Baldoni will likely plead their cases in court. The trial will likely explore the facts of the charges and evidence supporting them. All will be watching intently to see how the legal system addresses these serious allegations and what such cases establish as precedent for such cases in the future with similar issues.
