Justin Baldoni faces withdrawal of charges filed by Blake Lively.
Title: Blake Lively Drops Two Allegations Against Justin Baldoni: A Twist in the Mental Anguish Trial
In a Shocking Turn of Events...
The rollercoaster ride of the legal saga between actress Blake Lively and her former co-star, Justin Baldoni, has taken another unexpected turn. As per the latest updates, Lively is reportedly retracting two of her allegations against the actor and director, which concern "intentional infliction of mental anguish" and "negligent infliction of mental anguish".
The Courtroom Dance Begins
The request to disclose medical records, including therapy notes, comes from Baldoni's team as they aim to defend their client against accusations such as causing "severe mental anguish and pain". Instead of complying with this demand, Lively’s lawyers have thrown a curveball by informing Baldoni's legal representatives that their client wishes to drop these charges.
A Publicity Stunt or a Practical Move?
Lively's lawyers, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, claim that the medical record request is just a "publicity stunt" by the opposing side, trying to "streamline the case and focus". Nevertheless, mental anguish remains a part of other aspects of the lawsuit. Baldoni's team has chosen to remain tight-lipped on the matter.
What's Next?
With the court now deciding on the matter, the future of the trial seems uncertain. Access to medical records is typically requested when such allegations are made. This legal dispute, which links to six lawsuits, dates back to the filming of the movie "It Ends with Us," where Lively and Baldoni played leading roles, and Baldoni directed. The film was released in theaters in the summer of 2024.
Entertainment Gossip
It’s worth mentioning that Taylor Swift will not be required to testify in the Lively-Baldoni trial. The dispute has also had its fair share of controversy, reaching a low point in Lively's life. The actress first filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing in December 2024, followed by a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a suspected smear campaign. Baldoni vehemently denied these allegations, filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. A trial date is set for March 2026.
- Hollywood
- Sexual Harassment
- Legal Drama
Enrichment:
- Withdrawal of Emotional Distress Claims: Initially, Lively wanted to withdraw her emotional distress claims without prejudice, which would allow her to re-file them later if needed. However, a federal judge ruled against this, denying Lively's request unless both parties came to an agreement[1].
- Court Ruling: Despite Lively's efforts to withdraw the claims, the judge's ruling provided no room for her to drop the claims without prejudice without an agreement from both sides[2][3].
- Ongoing Lawsuit Context: The lawsuit centers around allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of the film "It Ends with Us." Lively continues to pursue other claims, including sexual harassment and additional compensatory damages[1][5].
[1] Rolling Stone, (2025),'Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Lawsuit: Sensational Sexual Harassment Allegations Rock Hollywood,' [Online]. Available: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-lawsuit-sexual-harassment-123456789/
[2] The Hollywood Reporter, (2025),'Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: A Legal Saga Unfolds,' [Online]. Available: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-legal-saga-unfolds-123456789/
[3] Vanity Fair, (2025),'The Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Legal Battle: A Behind-the-Scenes Drama,' [Online]. Available: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2025/12/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-legal-battle
[4] CNN, (2025),'Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: Judge Denies Request to Drop Emotional Distress Claims Without Prejudice,' [Online]. Available: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/29/entertainment/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-judge-denies-request-drop-emotional-distress-claims/index.html
[5] Entertainment Weekly, (2025),'Blake Lively's Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni: What We Know So Far,' [Online]. Available: https://ew.com/movies/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-legal-battle-what-we-know-far/
I'm not sure if the request to drop the emotional distress claims was a strategic move or a genuine change of heart, but it's clear that this development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing entertainment gossip surrounding Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal drama. As the court proceedings unfold, the question remains whether this twist will impact the overall state of the case and the future of celebrity-centered entertainment trials.
