Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Legal Showdown: Emotional Distress Claims and Ongoing Battle
Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are locked in a legal battle that has captured national attention. What started as a workplace harassment complaint has now spun into multiple lawsuits.
At the heart of the case is whether Lively’s emotional distress claims should stand and how both sides are using public narratives to sway opinion. This article breaks down what happened, why it matters, and what’s next for the stars of It Ends With Us.
Blake Lively’s Emotional Distress Claims Are Dismissed
A federal judge has ruled that Blake Lively’s emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni are officially dismissed. The court decision came after weeks of legal arguments about whether Lively had to provide medical records to support her claims. Judge Lewis Liman said Baldoni’s request to compel Lively to turn over her therapy records was denied.
However, the judge also made it clear: if Lively does not dismiss her claims, she cannot offer any evidence about emotional distress at trial—the ruling forces both sides to agree whether the dismissal will be permanent or temporary.
Why the Legal Dispute Began
This legal battle started after Blake Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024. She accused Baldoni—her co-star and director in It Ends With Us—of sexual harassment and retaliation. Lively’s complaint detailed a hostile work environment on set, where she claimed Baldoni engaged in unprofessional and inappropriate behavior.
After she voiced concerns, Lively says Baldoni and his associates ran a smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million, claiming defamation and extortion. The result is an intense, public courtroom fight.
Medical Records Spark Heated Debate
Much of the recent courtroom clash centers on Lively’s emotional distress claims. Baldoni’s lawyers requested access to her medical and mental health records to defend against these allegations. Lively chose to withdraw those specific claims rather than provide her private medical information.
However, Baldoni’s team argued the claims should be permanently dismissed so they cannot be refiled later. Lively’s lawyers called this a “press stunt” and insisted her decision was about focusing on her case, not hiding records. The judge sided with neither party fully but blocked Baldoni from forcing Lively to provide the records.
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The Public Battle for Narrative Control
Beyond the courtroom, both sides are fighting to control the public narrative. Lively’s team has accused Baldoni of using the media to attack her reputation. In turn, Baldoni’s lawyers argue that Lively is attempting to damage Baldoni’s image through news outlets such as The New York Times.
The legal filings reference leaked texts, public statements, and a website launched by Baldoni’s team to present their side of the story. Meanwhile, Lively’s legal team says this is part of a broader strategy to silence her for speaking out about sexual harassment. Both stars have high-profile supporters, making this legal drama even more visible.
Set Allegations Add Emotional Weight
At the heart of the lawsuits are serious allegations about what happened on the set of It Ends With Us. Lively says she and other cast members experienced “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” from Baldoni and his colleagues.
She claims that the retaliation she faced after reporting this behavior caused her both personal and professional harm. Baldoni’s team denies all allegations and has produced behind-the-scenes footage to counter her claims. Lively’s team argues the video supports her story and shows her discomfort during filming. The fight over what happened on set remains a central issue in this case.
The Role of Ryan Reynolds and Media Fallout
Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, has been drawn into the legal battle. Baldoni claims Reynolds influenced Hollywood circles and media coverage to harm Baldoni’s career. Some headlines even suggested that Reynolds mocked Baldoni in Deadpool & Wolverine, though Reynolds has not commented publicly.
Baldoni’s team has also sued The New York Times, accusing the paper of publishing a false and damaging article based on Lively’s allegations. The newspaper stands by its reporting. These elements add layers of media intrigue and complicate what started as a workplace harassment case.
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Support and Fallout in Hollywood
Since Lively’s lawsuit was filed, Hollywood figures have publicly taken sides. Lively’s castmates and friends, including Jenny Slate and It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover, have voiced support for her. At the same time, Baldoni’s career has faced setbacks—his talent agency, WME, dropped him after the allegations surfaced.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s podcast cohost Liz Plank resigned, though she did not explicitly link her exit to the controversy. As the case progresses, the entertainment industry is closely watching to see how it will impact both stars’ careers.
The Legal Road Ahead
Even with Lively’s emotional distress claims dismissed, this legal fight is far from over. Lively is still pursuing allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit remains active, as does a separate $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
Multiple motions are pending, and the parties are locked in a battle over discovery and public statements. The judge has set a trial date for March 2026. With six lawsuits now tied to the dispute, the case is likely to continue making headlines well into next year.
Final Words
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle reflects broader issues in Hollywood and the workplace. The case highlights the risks whistleblowers face when they speak out and how legal strategies can become part of public relations wars.
For now, Lively’s emotional distress claims are officially dismissed. But the larger lawsuits remain. As the stars prepare for trial, the outcome could influence not only their personal and professional futures but also how future on-set disputes are handled in the industry. The fight for truth, reputation, and justice is far from over.
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