Actress Blake Lively is attempting to withdraw two specific claims—intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress—in her ongoing lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni, according to documents obtained by Variety. The legal battle began in December 2024, following their collaboration on the film It Ends With Us, with Lively accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her. As part of his defense, Baldoni’s legal team requested access to Lively’s medical and therapy records, citing her allegations of severe emotional distress.
In newly filed court documents, Baldoni’s attorneys stated that Lively’s team had notified them in writing of the decision to drop the emotional distress claims. However, they noted that Lively declined to dismiss the claims “with prejudice,” leaving the possibility open for them to be refiled. Lively’s legal team countered by describing Baldoni’s move as “a press stunt,” saying they were simply “streamlining and focusing” the case. They added that new retaliatory claims filed by Baldoni have opened him up to broader damages under California law.
Despite dropping those specific distress claims, Lively continues to allege emotional harm under broader accusations, including sexual harassment and retaliation. The high-profile case has also briefly drawn in singer Taylor Swift, who was subpoenaed but later dismissed from the legal process after her lawyers called the move “an unwarranted fishing expedition.” Meanwhile, Baldoni is pursuing a countersuit against both Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, citing civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
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