In a surprising turn of events, Blake Lively has sought to withdraw two claims against director Justin Baldoni, which were part of a wider legal dispute stemming from allegations of sexual harassment. The two have been entangled in litigation since Lively's lawsuit was filed in December 2024, claiming Baldoni had harassed her and engaged in a smear campaign.
Baldoni's defense team had requested access to Lively’s medical records, including therapy notes, to support their argument against her claims of "severe emotional distress." Now, it appears Lively wishes to retract her claims of both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, according to reports from Variety. The decision has prompted a court review to determine whether to dismiss these claims or order Lively to disclose information pertinent to her mental health.
Documents submitted by Baldoni’s legal representatives confirmed that Lively's counsel communicated her intention to withdraw these claims without prejudice, meaning they could potentially be refiled later. Meanwhile, Lively's legal team has characterized Baldoni’s moves as a "press stunt," asserting that the controversy surrounding his counter-suit—alleging civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy—has led to a reassessment of Lively's original complaints.
Despite this shift, Lively remains steadfast in her accusations of emotional distress as part of broader allegations against Baldoni, including sexual harassment and demands for considerable compensatory damages. Notably, Baldoni previously launched a counter-suit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds.
The film "It Ends With Us," based on a bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover, has been at the center of this tumultuous dispute, wherein Lively portrays Lily Bloom—characterized by a cycle of domestic abuse. The controversy further escalated last month when singer Taylor Swift was summoned to court over claims suggesting she influenced script revisions, although her representatives denied her involvement.
As of now, the court’s upcoming decision on the claims and the continuing legal engagements between Lively and Baldoni will shape the trajectory of this high-profile case.
