In a significant twist in the ongoing legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, reports reveal that Lively is moving to withdraw her emotional distress claims after Baldoni’s legal team requested access to her private medical and therapy records.
This decision comes as part of a broader legal clash tied to the production of their film It Ends With Us—a project now overshadowed by serious allegations and retaliatory lawsuits.
📝 Why Did Lively Withdraw the Claims?
According to filings from Baldoni’s team, they had requested medical documents, including therapy notes, to challenge Lively’s claims of intentional and negligent emotional distress. Rather than comply, Lively’s legal team informed the court that she would withdraw those specific claims—but only without prejudice, meaning she retains the right to refile them in the future.
Baldoni’s attorneys called this a strategic move, arguing that Lively was trying to:
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Avoid disclosing evidence that could dispute her claims
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Keep the door open to reintroduce the charges after discovery ends
They stated in their filing:
“Ms. Lively wants to simultaneously: (a) refuse to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress... and (b) maintain the right to re-file.”
💬 Lively’s Lawyers Respond: “A Press Stunt”
Lively’s legal team, led by Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, dismissed Baldoni’s court filing as a media stunt. They asserted that this legal decision was part of a larger strategy to refine her lawsuit and strengthen her position in light of new retaliatory claims filed by Baldoni.
“Ms. Lively continues to allege emotional distress, as part of numerous other claims in her lawsuit, such as sexual harassment and retaliation,” said her lawyers. “She is now also seeking massive additional compensatory damages.”
🎭 The Bigger Legal Picture
The dispute stems from a January lawsuit filed by Lively, alleging that Baldoni:
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Sexually harassed her on the set of It Ends With Us
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Orchestrated a smear campaign against her following the allegations
Baldoni has strongly denied all accusations and responded with a staggering $400 million countersuit, accusing Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds of intentionally attempting to destroy his career and reputation.
Notably, a subpoena for Taylor Swift to testify was withdrawn last month, a move that turned heads given Swift's friendship with Lively and Reynolds.
📅 What’s Next?
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026, leaving ample time for more legal maneuvering and developments in a case that has already rocked Hollywood. With both sides digging in and the stakes soaring, the public eye will remain firmly fixed on this evolving courtroom drama.
📢 Join the Conversation
What do you think of Blake Lively’s legal move to withdraw emotional distress claims? Is it a smart strategy—or does it raise questions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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