Blake Lively has once again captured headlines with a surprising legal maneuver in her ongoing dispute with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The actress, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and A Simple Favor, made a striking move this week by attempting to withdraw two specific claims—intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress—from her lawsuit against Baldoni. This decision follows months of heated legal exchanges, public scrutiny, and attempts by both parties to shape the narrative surrounding their conflict, which stems from the production of their 2024 film. As the case unfolds, Lively’s latest action signals a strategic shift, raising questions about her next steps and the broader implications for Hollywood’s handling of workplace disputes.
Blake Lively’s Legal Strategy Shifts
The legal saga between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni began in December 2024, when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and fostering a toxic work environment on the It Ends With Us set. She alleged that Baldoni, along with his production company and publicists, orchestrated a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. Baldoni fired back with a $400 million defamation countersuit, claiming Lively’s accusations were baseless and aimed at destroying his career. This week’s development, where Lively moved to drop her emotional distress claims, appears to be a response to Baldoni’s legal team seeking access to her medical records, a move that could have intensified the personal stakes of the case.
This decision doesn’t mean Lively is backing down. Her lawyers argue that California’s AB 933, a law protecting individuals who report sexual misconduct, shields her from Baldoni’s defamation suit. Advocacy groups, including Equal Rights Advocates and the California Women’s Law Center, have rallied behind her, filing amicus briefs to support her motion to dismiss Baldoni’s claims. These organizations argue that the lawsuit threatens survivors’ rights to speak out without fear of retaliation, making Lively’s case a focal point for broader industry conversations.
The Taylor Swift Connection in Blake Lively’s Case
A surprising twist in Blake Lively’s legal battle involved her longtime friend, Taylor Swift. In May 2025, Baldoni’s team subpoenaed Swift, alleging that Lively pressured her to publicly support the actress or risk the leak of private messages. The move sparked outrage, with Swift’s representatives calling it a “tabloid clickbait” tactic. A judge quickly dismissed the subpoena, and Lively’s team slammed Baldoni for attempting to drag Swift into the fray. This episode highlighted the high-profile nature of the dispute, with Lively’s legal team accusing Baldoni of turning a serious case into a media spectacle.
The Swift controversy also strained Lively’s public image, as reports surfaced that their friendship has “halted” amid the legal drama. Sources claim the subpoena fractured a fragile peace between the two, with Swift, godmother to Lively’s children, distancing herself to avoid further involvement. This fallout adds another layer of complexity to Lively’s public and personal challenges as she navigates this high-stakes battle.
Public and Industry Reactions
The public response to Blake Lively’s legal moves has been polarized. Fans and advocacy groups have praised her for standing up against alleged workplace misconduct, with figures like It Ends With Us author Colleen Hoover and co-star Jenny Slate publicly supporting her. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s supporters, evident on social media platforms like Instagram, argue that Lively’s accusations are an attempt to seize control of the film’s narrative. His recent return to Instagram after a five-month hiatus drew thousands of supportive comments, showing he retains a loyal fanbase.
The case has also spotlighted Hollywood’s broader issues with power dynamics and accountability. Lively’s push to dismiss Baldoni’s defamation suit, backed by advocacy groups, underscores the importance of laws like AB 933 in protecting whistleblowers. However, Baldoni’s $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for its reporting on Lively’s claims suggests a parallel battle over media influence, raising questions about how public narratives shape legal outcomes.
What’s Next for the Legal Showdown?
With a trial date set for March 2026, both sides are digging in. Lively’s team has requested access to Baldoni’s financial records to challenge his claims of financial harm, noting that It Ends With Us was a box office success. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s Wayfarer Foundation shutting down amid the controversy adds fuel to speculation about his financial and professional stability. The withdrawal of Lively’s emotional distress claims could streamline her case, focusing on her core allegations of harassment and retaliation, but it also risks being seen as a concession in the court of public opinion.
As the legal battle continues, Lively remains active in her career, recently appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers to promote Another Simple Favor. She spoke candidly about her children being her “lifeline” during this intense period, signaling resilience despite the ongoing drama. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how Hollywood addresses workplace misconduct allegations, making it a pivotal moment for the industry.
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