Blake Lively’s Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni Heats Up Over Emotional Distress Claims
Blake Lively’s court fight with director and co-star Justin Baldoni just took another dramatic turn. The actress is now seeking to withdraw her claims of emotional distress after Baldoni’s legal team pushed for access to her private medical records.
This ongoing legal drama, rooted in Lively’s original sexual harassment lawsuit, highlights the complex battle between the two former collaborators. This article examines how the latest development unfolded, what is at stake for both sides, and what it could mean going forward.
A Rising Storm: How the Lawsuit Began
The conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni began in December 2024. Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni, 41, of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us. She claimed his behavior caused serious emotional harm to her and her family.
Baldoni denied the accusations and quickly filed a $400 million countersuit. His suit accused Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their team of defamation and career sabotage. Since then, both sides have been locked in an intense legal battle.
Emotional Distress Claims Spark New Controversy
In her original lawsuit, Lively included two key claims: intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Recently, Baldoni’s lawyers demanded that Lively provide her medical and therapy records to prove these claims.
They requested that she sign a HIPAA release for this information. Rather than comply, Lively moved to withdraw the emotional distress claims without prejudice. This means she could still refile them later, a move Baldoni’s team fiercely opposed.
Baldoni’s Lawyers Push Back Hard
Baldoni’s legal team quickly fired back in court filings. They argued that Lively “cannot have it both ways.” In their view, withdrawing the claims without prejudice would unfairly allow her to revisit them after the discovery window closes.
They insisted that if the claims are to be dropped, it must be done with prejudice, meaning they could not be refiled. Otherwise, they argued, they would continue to defend against the claims and press for access to her medical records.
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Lively’s Lawyers Call It a ‘Press Stunt’
Blake Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, labeled the request a “press stunt.” They stated that the move to streamline the case was an everyday litigation practice, not an attempt to evade discovery.
In their statement, they stressed that Lively continues to allege emotional distress as part of her broader claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. They also accused Baldoni’s team of trying to generate more tabloid headlines rather than focusing on the legal process.
What’s Next in the Legal Battle
The question of whether Lively can withdraw her emotional distress claims—and under what terms—is now in the hands of Judge Lewis J. Liman. The judge must decide whether Lively’s withdrawal will be accepted as-is or if it must be done with prejudice. The decision could shape the tone of the case moving forward. Meanwhile, the overall lawsuit is still set for trial in March 2026, meaning this fight is far from over.
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A Deeper Impact on Both Stars
For Lively, the emotional toll of this legal fight has already been high. In her original filing, she said the impact of Baldoni’s actions had been “extreme,” affecting not just herself but also her husband and their four children.
For Baldoni, the battle has taken a financial and emotional toll as well. Sources close to him say he is “feeling the financial and emotional weight” of the litigation. Both stars face continued public scrutiny as their case moves toward trial.
The Broader Significance of the Case
This case is more than just a Hollywood feud. It highlights the challenges that arise when personal allegations intersect with public careers. It also raises questions about the use of medical records in legal defenses.
Lively herself said in an earlier statement, “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics… and helps protect others who may be targeted.” Whether or not that goal will be achieved remains to be seen.
Final Words
Blake Lively’s attempt to withdraw her emotional distress claims has added a new layer of tension to her legal fight with Justin Baldoni. Both sides remain entrenched, with key decisions still ahead.
The judge’s upcoming ruling will likely have a significant impact on how the case proceeds. As the March 2026 trial date approaches, this high-profile legal battle will continue to draw attention, not just for its celebrity drama but for the serious legal questions at its core.
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