Blake Lively DROPS Emotional Distress Claims Against Justin Baldoni Amid Legal Battle; Here’s What It Means

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Blake Lively is seeking to rescind two significant points in her lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni, which include accusations of intentionally causing emotional distress and negligently causing emotional distress. This move follows Baldoni’s legal team’s request for access to Lively’s medical and therapy records as part of their defense strategy regarding the emotional distress claims.

On June 2nd’s court filing, Baldoni’s legal team reported that instead of adhering to the Medical Request for Proposals, they were informed by Ms. Lively’s lawyers, in writing, that she is withdrawing her emotional distress claims. Yet, it was added that Lively chose to drop these claims without closing the door permanently; she has the option to refile them at a later time, as reported by Variety.

Here’s what the withdrawal means

Baldoni’s legal team argued against the action, claiming it was unfair for Lively to withhold medical records while retaining the ability to revisit her emotional distress claims at a later time. In essence, they suggested that Lively is attempting to: (a) decline to reveal the necessary information and documents to dispute that she experienced emotional distress or that the Wayfarer Parties were responsible; and (b) preserve the opportunity to resubmit her IED Claims in the future.

In their recent filing, the attorneys are requesting either that Ms. Lively must provide her mental health records or that the case against her should be permanently dropped (dismissed with prejudice) so it cannot be refiled. As stated by attorney Kevin Fritz in his submission to Judge Liman in the Southern District of New York, “Ms. Lively cannot enjoy the benefits of both options.

In response, lawyers for Lively, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, labeled Baldoni’s filing as a publicity tactic or stunt. They clarified that Lively is adjusting the scope of her lawsuit because of recent legal advancements.

In simpler terms, Lively’s lawyers explained that Baldoni-Wayfarer’s tactic of counter-suing had expanded the potential damages for Lively under California law, making some of his initial claims redundant. However, they added that Lively still asserts emotional distress as part of other allegations such as sexual harassment and retaliation.

Back in December, I, as an ardent fan, found myself deeply moved when Blake Lively took a stand against sexual harassment. She filed a lawsuit, accusing Justin Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath of such behavior during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” Moreover, she claimed that her complaints were met with a malicious smear campaign afterward.

I, a devoted admirer, find myself embroiled in a legal battle of epic proportions! Baldoni is taking Lively and her husband, the charismatic Ryan Reynolds, to court for an astounding $400 million. The accusations? Defamation and a sinister attempt at extortion. But that’s not all, folks! I’m also entangled in other lawsuits, such as one aimed at my former publicist, Stephanie Jones. Exciting times, indeed!

According to Baldoni’s legal team, Lively’s allegations of emotional distress make her personal health history relevant, potentially waiving any confidentiality around her medical records. It remains to be seen if the court will require Lively to disclose these records or dismiss the case altogether.

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2025-06-03 05:37