Blake Lively has withdrawn two emotional distress claims from her high-profile lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, following a federal judge‘s decision that she cannot introduce emotional distress evidence at trial. This Blake Lively emotional distress claims lawsuit update has caused widespread speculation about the status and future direction of the legal proceedings in California.
Public Speculation Grows Over Lawsuit Developments
Public interest surged as rumors spread online that Blake Lively might have fully dropped her lawsuit against her “It Ends With Us” co-star after the court’s recent ruling. Online searches for “Blake Lively drops lawsuit” soared and fueled confusion among fans and legal observers about whether other aspects of her case might also be affected.
Justin Baldoni’s attorneys requested access to Blake Lively’s medical records, including her therapy documentation, arguing they were essential evidence since she initially alleged she suffered severe emotional impacts due to Baldoni’s actions. In her original complaint, Lively cited
“severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, (and) embarrassment”
as a direct result of her co-star’s behavior. —Legal Filing
Lively’s Legal Strategy and Remaining Claims
Reports from entertainment outlets highlighted that, while Blake Lively has withdrawn her formal claims of stand-alone emotional distress, she is still pushing ahead with 13 other charges in her persistent legal dispute. Legal records specify,
“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.”
—Counsel, Legal Filing
Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, characterized the opposing legal team’s actions as aggressive legal maneuvering intended for publicity, asserting,
“The Baldoni-Wayfarer strategy of filing retaliatory claims has exposed them to expansive new damages claims under California law.”
—Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lawyers
According to her lawyers,
“Ms. Lively continues to allege emotional distress, as part of numerous other claims in her lawsuit, such as sexual harassment and retaliation, and massive additional compensatory damages on all of her claims.”
—Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lawyers
The current filings indicate that while Lively cannot pursue the now-withdrawn emotional distress claims specifically, she continues to reference ongoing mental anguish within her broader claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. The court may eventually compel Lively to disclose some mental health information or decide to dismiss the withdrawn claims, either with or without prejudice.
Ongoing Fallout from December 2024 Lawsuit Filing
This contentious legal saga began in December 2024, when Blake Lively, well known for her role in “The Age of Adaline,” filed formal complaints against Justin Baldoni alleging sexual harassment. In her accusations, she also claimed Baldoni mobilized a campaign to “destroy” her reputation within the entertainment industry.
As this dramatic court battle continues, the high stakes and emotional nature of the lawsuit have drawn sharp reactions from fans, legal commentators, and industry insiders alike. The outcome of the remaining claims, and any potential court-ordered release of mental health records, are likely to shape both the trajectory of this case and the public perception of those involved.
