Blake Lively Drops Claims Against Justin Baldoni of Infliction of Emotional Distress

New York (EFE) – Hollywood star Blake Lively has withdrawn two of the claims she filed on December 31, in which she alleged that fellow actor and director Justin Baldoni caused her “emotional distress” during the filming of her movie It Ends With Us.

In the latest chapter of the legal battle between the two, Lively has dropped the tenth and eleventh causes of action, in which she accused Baldoni of inflicting emotional distress both “intentionally” and “negligently,” according to letters sent to the judge by both parties’ legal teams.

In a document submitted to the judge on Monday, one of Baldoni’s lawyers stated that Lively’s legal team had informed them of her intent to withdraw the accusations related to “IED”—Intermittent Explosive Disorder, a condition characterized by episodes of verbal or physical aggression that can cause distress.

In a letter from Lively’s legal team, sent to the judge on Tuesday (the following day), the actress confirmed she had voluntarily decided to withdraw her emotional distress claims on Friday, May 30, saying the move was made “in good faith to expedite the litigation in the ordinary contentious process, given the damages she intends to recover.”

This response came after Baldoni’s attorney previously suggested the withdrawal was aimed at avoiding a court order requiring Lively to disclose the identities of her healthcare providers and release related mental health records.

Lively’s legal team firmly denied that she refused to share such information and criticized Baldoni’s team, stating in their letter that the motion had a singular audience: “the media.”

However, Baldoni’s attorney noted that Lively is “only willing to dismiss her claims without prejudice,” meaning she refuses to hand over the documents and intends to retain the right to refile the claims at a later time, potentially in a different court.

He added that she “can’t have it both ways,” arguing that if she wants to drop the claims, his client is entitled to a dismissal with prejudice—which would prevent her from bringing them back.

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni dates back to late 2024, when the actress sued the actor-director for sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior on set.

Lively later accused Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer, of orchestrating a smear campaign against her following her harassment complaint. In turn, Baldoni and Wayfarer countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist, accusing them of trying to “destroy” his career. The trial is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026.