Blake Lively has once again captured headlines, but this time, it’s not for a red-carpet appearance or a box-office hit. The key phrase on everyone’s lips—Blake Lively makes shocking legal move in her heated battle against Justin Baldoni—reflects the latest dramatic turn in a lawsuit that has gripped Hollywood since late 2024. As of June 2025, the legal clash between the “It Ends with Us” co-stars has entered a new phase, with Lively making a strategic and unexpected decision regarding her claims of emotional distress.
Blake Lively’s Legal Bombshell: Dropping Emotional Distress Claims
The ongoing dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni began in December 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and a hostile work environment on the set of “It Ends with Us.” In addition to these serious accusations, she also claimed intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Baldoni, steadfastly denying all allegations, countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, seeking $400 million in damages and accusing them of extortion, defamation, and orchestrating a smear campaign.
The latest shock came on June 2, 2025, when new court filings revealed that Blake Lively is seeking to withdraw her emotional distress claims against Baldoni. This move follows intense legal wrangling, with Baldoni’s attorneys demanding access to Lively’s medical and therapy records to challenge the basis of her emotional distress allegations. Rather than comply, Lively’s legal team filed to abandon these specific claims—at least for now.
What’s Behind Blake Lively’s Shocking Legal Move?
Lively’s decision to drop the emotional distress claims is not as straightforward as it might seem. She has requested to withdraw the claims “without prejudice,” meaning she reserves the right to refile them in the future. Baldoni’s legal team, however, is pushing for the withdrawal to be “with prejudice,” which would prevent Lively from bringing these claims again after the discovery period ends.
This legal maneuvering has sparked a new round of arguments. Baldoni’s attorneys argue that Lively is attempting to avoid providing sensitive medical information while keeping the option open to revive the claims later. They contend that if Lively wants to drop the claims, she should do so permanently, or else proceed with full disclosure of her medical records as required in such cases.
Lively’s lawyers counter that their move is a routine part of litigation strategy, aimed at streamlining the case for trial and focusing on the core allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. They have accused Baldoni’s team of using the situation as a “press stunt” to generate tabloid attention, rather than focusing on the facts at hand.
Timeline of the Legal Battle
To understand the gravity of Blake Lively’s shocking legal move, it’s important to review the timeline of events:
- December 2024: Lively files a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department and a federal lawsuit in New York, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by Baldoni.
- January 2025: Baldoni countersues Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, seeking $400 million in damages.
- February–May 2025: Both sides engage in heated discovery, with public statements and legal filings fueling media coverage.
- June 2, 2025: Lively files to withdraw her emotional distress claims without prejudice, sparking a new round of legal arguments.
- March 2026: Both cases are scheduled to go to trial.
What’s at Stake for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for both stars. For Lively, the decision to drop her emotional distress claims—at least temporarily—allows her to avoid disclosing deeply personal medical information, but it also means narrowing the focus of her lawsuit. She continues to pursue claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, and significant compensatory damages.
For Baldoni, the fight is about clearing his name and protecting his career. His countersuit alleges that Lively and her team orchestrated a campaign to destroy his reputation and seize creative control of the film. Both parties have denied any wrongdoing, and the public narrative continues to evolve as new developments emerge.
- Lively’s withdrawal of emotional distress claims is a strategic move, not a concession of defeat.
- Baldoni’s team wants the claims dismissed with prejudice to prevent future litigation.
- The court must now decide whether to compel Lively to provide her medical records or allow her to withdraw the claims on her terms.
- The main claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, and defamation remain at the heart of the dispute.
What’s Next in the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Saga?
With the trial set for March 2026, both sides are preparing for a high-stakes courtroom showdown. The legal battle is far from over, and the outcome could reshape the careers and public images of everyone involved. Fans, industry insiders, and legal experts alike are watching closely as Blake Lively makes shocking legal moves in her heated battle against Justin Baldoni.
Stay tuned for more updates as this Hollywood legal drama continues to unfold.
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