Blake Lively withdraws emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni

In an ongoing legal dispute, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been embroiled in a contentious feud since late 2024. Lively originally initiated a lawsuit against Baldoni, claiming sexual harassment and retaliation while they worked on the film "It Ends With Us." This lawsuit followed a complaint she filed with the California Civil Rights Department. In recent developments, Lively's legal team announced her decision to withdraw claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress against Baldoni. However, the withdrawal was marked by disputes over whether it would be with or without prejudice, which has implications for future litigation. Baldoni's legal representatives argued that allowing Lively to withdraw claims without prejudice would give her the opportunity to refile them later, complicating the case. Lively's attorneys contended this action was a routine part of trial preparation and characterized Baldoni's counter-moves as strategic maneuvers aimed at garnering public attention. Notably, this situation aligns with broader dynamics within celebrity culture, where public and private conflicts often intertwine. Despite withdrawing the emotional distress claims, Lively is still pursuing other allegations, including sexual harassment and retaliation, alongside substantial claims for compensatory damages. Legal disagreements over the necessity of disclosing medical records related to her distress have also persisted, leading to a contentious courtroom atmosphere. With a trial set for March 2026, the stakes remain high for both parties as they prepare to present their cases before a New York court. As the litigation unfolds, discussions continue regarding the related allegations and the implications of the ongoing legal skirmish for both Lively and Baldoni’s careers. The dual lawsuits and multiple claims indicate a complex scenario where personal grievances are publicly aired, raising questions about accountability and the impact of such disputes on the individuals involved and the industry at large.