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Blake Lively released a lengthy statement on Friday after a court dismissed ten of her thirteen counts in the lawsuit against Justin Baldoni over the film It Ends With Us. This happened just six weeks before the trial was scheduled to begin in Manhattan federal court.
In a social media post, Lively said she was “grateful” for the court’s decision, which will allow her to “present the core of my case to a jury next month – and finally tell my story in full at trial.”
“The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I filed this case because I have been massively RETILATED – and continue to be so to this day – for demanding a safe work environment for myself and others both personally and professionally,” she wrote. “I hope the court’s decision shows others that as unimaginably painful as it is, you can make your voice heard.”
Lively against “celebrity drama” framing
The actress appealed to the public not to be distracted by framing the lawsuit as a “celebrity drama.” This is designed to “prevent you from recognizing yourselves in my story.”
In her lawsuit, filed on December 31, 2024, Lively accused Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios and other defendants of subjecting her to “disturbing” sexual harassment during filming. They then launched a “sophisticated, coordinated and well-financed” online smear campaign against her after she spoke out, according to the accusation. Lively accused the defendants of trying to silence and “destroy” her before she could make her allegations public.
“The physical pain of digital violence is very real,” she wrote in her statement Friday. “It’s abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools. Anyone who looks will see: My allegations are neither the first nor the last example of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital war. And it usually doesn’t affect celebrities or people who have the opportunity to speak out. It affects us all.”
Fight against silence and retaliation
“So much has already been done to uncover systems, tactics and actors that cause harm. Part of the work to improve security happens in the process – but it will go far beyond that process,” she continued.
“I will never stop doing my part to expose the systems and people that seek to hurt, shame, silence and seek revenge against victims. And I know it is a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it,” she vowed – concluding her statement with a dragon emoji. This could be a reference to alleged text messages in which she reportedly compared herself to Game of Thrones character Khaleesi, while referring to Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift as her “dragons.”
Lawyers for Lively and Baldoni did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a new 152-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman upheld Lively’s claims of retaliation and breach of contract against the film producers, as well as her claim of aiding and abetting retaliation against The Agency Group PR. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18th.
Lawyers’ reactions
Baldoni’s lawyers Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach immediately declared victory. “We are very pleased that the court dismissed all counts of sexual harassment and all claims against the individual defendants,” they said at the time. They were referring to allegations that would make Baldoni, his producing partners Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz, and PR professionals Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel personally liable, independent of the corporate defendants. “What remains is a significantly limited case, and we look forward to presenting our defense of the remaining claims in court.”
Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, said in her own statement that the majority of the sexual harassment claims were dismissed not because of a lack of substance, but because Lively was classified as an independent contractor and not an employee. “This case has always been about the devastating retaliation and extraordinary measures that the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation for advocating for safety on set – and that is exactly the case that is coming to trial,” McCawley said.
