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Blake Lively Withdraws Emotional Distress Claims Against Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively has formally withdrawn her claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress against her co-star in “It Ends With Us,” Justin Baldoni. This significant development comes after Baldoni’s legal team requested medical documentation related to Lively’s allegations, which included therapy notes and information about her mental health providers.
Legal Maneuvering Triggers Withdrawal
On Monday, Lively, who is 37 years old, filed a motion to dismiss her initial claims. The motion noted that instead of complying with the request for medical records, her legal counsel informed Baldoni’s team that she would be withdrawing her emotional distress claims.
The court filing made a notable point: “Instead of complying with the Medical RFPs, Ms. Lively’s counsel recently advised us, in writing, that Ms. Lively is withdrawing her [infliction of emotional distress] Claims. Yet, Ms. Lively has refused the Wayfarer Parties’ reasonable request that the withdrawal be with prejudice. In essence, she would like to withdraw her claims whilst retaining the right to potentially re-file them in the future, even after the discovery phase closes.” This complex situation raises questions about the strategic implications of her withdrawal.
Response from Lively’s Legal Team
Following Lively’s decision, her attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, issued a statement to Fox News Digital, asserting, “This is merely a routine part of the litigation process being misused for media attention. We are focused on preparing our case effectively for trial, while they seem to chase more tabloid coverage.”
They elaborated, stating that the strategy implemented by Baldoni and Wayfarer has led to new claims of damages under California law, making some of Lively’s original claims unnecessary. Notably, Lively continues to maintain her allegations of emotional distress as part of a broader lawsuit that includes claims of sexual harassment and retaliation, as well as substantial additional compensatory damages for all her claims.
A Growing Legal Dispute
Lively’s legal troubles commenced when she filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath for sexual harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress. Lively initially registered a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department before escalating her allegations to federal court in December.
In retaliation, Baldoni filed a substantial $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. This tit-for-tat legal back-and-forth has drawn significant media scrutiny.
Public Statements and Unedited Footage
In an effort to provide context and reinforce their position, Baldoni’s team launched a website outlining the timeline of the alleged incidents. They also shared unedited footage from the set of “It Ends With Us,” asserting that this material supports both parties’ claims. Each side has claimed that the footage substantiates their respective narratives.
Moreover, in light of heightened tensions, Lively’s legal representatives called for a gag order to be imposed on Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, arguing that his comments constituted an intimidation tactic. Baldoni’s team characterized this request as a form of tactical maneuvering, leading to a ruling that mandated compliance with the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which govern media communications.
Reflections on the Journey
In April of this year, Lively spoke candidly about her tumultuous year during an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” describing it as a period filled with both remarkable highs and deeply distressing lows. “What I can say without going too into it is that this year has been full of the highest highs and the lowest lows of my life, and I see so many women around afraid to speak. Fear is by design, it keeps us silent,” she conveyed.
She expressed gratitude for her platform, stating, “I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to use my voice. The strength of women who have come forward has empowered me and reaffirms my commitment to fight for a safer world for women and girls.”
Looking Ahead
This ongoing legal confrontation is poised to escalate further, with a trial currently scheduled for March 2026 in New York. As both sides prepare their cases, the implications of this high-profile dispute extend beyond the courtroom, resonating with discussions around gender dynamics and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.
The situation remains fluid, and as new developments arise, both Lively and Baldoni will continue to navigate their legal challenges amidst intense public interest and scrutiny.
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.
