In a move that has added another layer to the already complex case, Blake Lively officially requested to drop the charges of “intentional and negligent emotional distress” against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in It Ends With Us. This request, made on June 2, 2025, was filed without prejudice, meaning Lively could reintroduce those claims at a later time.
The Reason Behind Blake Lively’s Withdrawal
Lively’s decision came in response to Baldoni’s legal team seeking access to her medical and mental health records as part of his defense. In light of the emotional distress this request caused, Lively opted to remove this aspect of the lawsuit, though the core allegations against Baldoni remain intact.
“Instead of complying with the Medical Records Requests, Mrs. Lively’s attorney recently informed us in writing that she withdraws her claims [of emotional distress],” reads a leaked court document.
Read also: Did Blake Lively Thread Taylor Swift? The New Controversy in Justin Baldoni’s Case
Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Claims Stand Firm
Despite the withdrawal, Blake Lively has maintained the heart of her lawsuit. She accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation after she complained about his behavior. According to Lively, Baldoni attempted to orchestrate a smear campaign to silence her, describing this as “professional revenge.”
The trial is still scheduled for March 2026, and what initially seemed like a straightforward labor case has now become a high-stakes legal and media battle.
Justin Baldoni Strikes Back With a $400 Million Counterclaim
Not one to back down, Justin Baldoni responded with a $400 million counterclaim against Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist. He accuses them of defamation, conspiracy, and extortion, alleging that the accusations are part of an orchestrated effort to ruin his career.
As if that wasn’t enough, Baldoni also filed a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times, accusing the publication of collaborating with Blake Lively’s team to “manipulate the narrative” and publish an article that painted him as the villain from the start.
Read also: Did Blake Lively Thread Taylor Swift? The New Controversy in Justin Baldoni’s Case
A Divided Industry and Public Opinion
Lively’s accusations sent shockwaves through Hollywood. In December 2024, WME, one of the largest agencies in the business, dropped Baldoni as a client. Even Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor (the parent company of WME), publicly backed Blake and Ryan, calling Baldoni’s actions “truly bad.”
However, outside of the legal circles, the conversation is far more divided. Some accuse Baldoni of embodying the toxic power dynamics of the entertainment industry, while others defend his right to counter-sue and question the validity of the allegations.
Strategic Legal Moves or Weakness in the Case?
Removing part of the lawsuit doesn’t necessarily weaken Blake Lively’s case, but it does highlight the strategic nature of this ongoing battle. By refusing to expose her mental health to Baldoni’s legal scrutiny, Lively took a calculated step to streamline her claims. This could even work in her favor, enhancing her public image as someone seeking justice without compromising her well-being.
As both legal teams gear up for a trial that could reshape how harassment allegations are handled in Hollywood, the withdrawal of a claim is not the end. It’s just another chapter in this real-life drama, one that’s far from over.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva.
