Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been in the rough waters since the actress accused her It Ends With Us, co-star of misconduct and infliction of emotional distress allegations in December 2024. The duo had come together for the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s powerful story about domestic abuse, but the drama between the main leads has lingered longer than the essence of the film for the audience. Now, in a new turn of events, Blake has made a shocking move in the recent court proceedings.
Blake Lively seeks to dismiss emotional distress claims against James Baloni
According to a report by Variety, Blake Lively has been seeking to drop her claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress against Justin Baldoni. A Simple Favour actress, in the latest proceedings of the court case on June 2, 2025, made the request to dismiss the said claims. The move comes after Justin’s legal team had sought discovery that included Blake’s medical records in efforts to defend the director against the actress’ claims.
Blake Lively had earlier claimed that she has suffered ‘severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration and mental anguish.’ However, once Justin’s attorneys sought to compel Blake to sign a HIPAA release for access to her therapy notes and other relevant medical information, the actress’ legal team changed paths. Justin’s legal team revealed that Blake’s counsel had recently advised us in writing that she was withdrawing her claims. They were quoted as saying:
“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.”
What the document shared by Blake Lively’s legal team stated
In the said document, it was stated that ‘instead of complying’ Blake requested to withdraw her claims of emotional distress without prejudice. This means, that the actress is refusing to ‘to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress’. Additionally, she ‘maintain the right to re-file her (infliction of emotional distress claims) at an unknown time in this or some other court after the discovery window has closed.’ To which, Justin’s legal team has shown stern dissatisfaction, stating that:
“Ms Lively cannot have it both ways.”
Blake Lively’s lawyer on the recent developments
Blake’s lawyers, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb called the filing by Justin Baldoni’s legal team, a press stunt and noted that they are merely ‘streamlining and focusing’ her case. They added that the court will now need to decide whether to compel Blake to share the information on her mental health, which she has sought to avoid or dismiss the two claims with or without prejudice.
Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s friendship succumbs to the legal battle
Previously, Taylor Swift was also dragged into the legal battle between Justin and Blake, after Justin Baldoni’s legal team claimed that Taylor Swift is being threatened by the Gossip Girl actress, Blake Lively. All of this started when the So High School singer was subpoenaed by the US court for the case. However, Taylor’s team is fighting the decision, maintaining that the Cruel Summer star has nothing to do with the ongoing battle between Blake and Justin. Blake’s lawyers, on the other hand, have slammed the new filing as ‘categorically false’.
What are your thoughts on Blake Lively’s decision to drop emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni?
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