Blake Lively Justin Baldoni Lawsuit Dropped
In a stunning turn, Blake Lively has dramatically dropped emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni in their highly publicized lawsuit. This decision comes after Baldoni’s legal team sought access to Lively’s medical records, but her attorney has reserved the right to refile. The court will decide whether the dismissal is permanent or not as the case intensifies.The lawsuit, centered around allegations of sexual harassment and a subsequent defamation countersuit, is slated for a march 2026 trial.Lively previously moved to dismiss the countersuit, drawing support from advocacy groups. For an inside look at these complex legal proceedings, visit News directory 3. Discover what’s next in this developing case and the possible implications for those who report alleged misconduct.
Blake Lively Drops Emotional distress Claims in Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
Updated June 04, 2025
Blake lively has dropped two claims of emotional distress in her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni.This development follows accusations of sexual harassment and a subsequent defamation countersuit.
Baldoni’s legal team requested that a judge compel Lively to release her medical and mental health records,including therapy notes. Instead, Lively opted to withdraw teh emotional distress claims, though her lawyer, Esra Hudson, reserved the right to refile them later. Hudson and Mike Gottlieb accused Baldoni’s counsel of a “press stunt,” asserting they are streamlining the case for trial.
Judge Lewis J. Liman has ordered both parties to clarify whether the dismissal of the claims is with or without prejudice, meaning Lively must decide if she is permanently dropping the claims or might pursue them again in the future. Representatives for both Baldoni and Lively have not commented.
The lawsuit, which includes allegations of on-set sexual harassment and a smear campaign, is set to go to trial in March 2026. Lively initially filed the complaint in September, alleging that Baldoni and his team retaliated against her after she reported the harassment, according to the New York Times.
Earlier this year, Lively sought to dismiss Baldoni’s defamation countersuit, citing a California law designed to protect those who speak out about sexual harassment from retaliatory legal action. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, criticized the motion as an abuse of the legal system.
Advocacy groups,including Equal Rights Advocates and Child USA,have voiced support for Lively’s motion to dismiss the countersuit. Jessica Schidlow, legal director at Child USA, stated that striking down the law would undermine protections for abuse survivors, making it harder for victims to come forward.
What’s next
The court awaits clarification on whether Lively’s dropped claims are dismissed with or without prejudice as the case heads toward trial in March 2026. The outcome could significantly impact protections for those reporting sexual harassment.