Blake Lively withdraws emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni, but the core lawsuit between the actress and Baldoni remains active. The dispute, which began in December 2024 after Lively filed accusations of sexual harassment against Baldoni, continues to evolve in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, keeping public attention on the proceedings.
Despite recent headlines causing confusion for fans and the public alike, Blake Lively has not entirely dropped her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. Instead, official legal documents confirm that, as of June 2, 2025, Lively specifically removed her claims of intentional and negligent emotional distress from the case. This strategic adjustment occurred amid intense legal maneuvering from both parties.
Origins of the Lawsuit and Recent Developments
Lively initially accused Baldoni of sexual harassment late last year, launching a case that has since drawn considerable media scrutiny and commentary from legal experts. The claims centered on alleged harm, including emotional suffering. The most recent action narrows the focus but does not resolve the major allegations.
On June 2, 2025, Lively’s legal team formally requested to withdraw the emotional distress claims. This move came after Justin Baldoni’s attorneys pushed for access to Lively’s medical and therapy records, seeking to challenge her reports of emotional and mental suffering. Baldoni’s side argued that such access was necessary to address claims that Lively experienced
“severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration and mental anguish.”
—Justin Baldoni’s legal team, U.S. District Court filing
The defense’s attempt to acquire Lively’s confidential records prompted her legal counsel to alter strategy. Rather than complying with demands for private therapeutic documents, the actress chose to withdraw the emotional distress claims for the time being. This decision, however, does not represent an end to her case against Baldoni.
Lively’s Legal Team Responds to Defense Tactics
According to filings, Lively’s attorneys, Ersa Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, asserted that the attempt by Baldoni’s lawyers to force disclosure of sensitive materials was calculated for public effect. Describing the move as “a press stunt,” they emphasized that the decision to drop certain claims was meant to “streamline and focus” the core case, rather than weaken it, as conveyed to multiple media outlets including Variety.
Hudson and Gottlieb further criticized the opposing team for attempting to prolong media attention:
“another tired round of tabloid coverage.”
—Ersa Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lively’s attorneys
Notably, Lively refused requests from the Wayfarer Parties—representing Baldoni—to withdraw these claims with prejudice, meaning she has reserved the right to revisit and reinstate them if necessary. Her legal team also declined to provide information and documents that would address the emotional distress allegations at this stage, maintaining the option to refile intentional emotional distress (IED) claims later.
What Lies Ahead in the Ongoing Court Case
The withdrawal of emotional distress claims by Blake Lively is a significant shift in strategy but does not close the case against Justin Baldoni. While some supporters and commentators speculated about a total dismissal, the sexual harassment claims remain at the heart of the dispute as it proceeds in the Southern District of New York.
This case, featuring prominent legal figures like Ersa Hudson and Mike Gottlieb and involving organizations such as the Wayfarer Parties, continues to attract industry and public attention. The legal battle’s next steps will likely focus on the core allegations, court filings, and potentially further strategic shifts by either side as the proceedings unfold.
