Lively Withdraws Claims in Baldoni Lawsuit; Trial Still Likely

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's high-profile legal battle took another turn this week. Lively, star of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel "It Ends With Us," initially sued Baldoni, her co-star and the film's director, in December, alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Baldoni countersued in January, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, along with their publicist, of attempting to "steal and hijack" his movie. This week, a significant development occurred as Lively withdrew her claims of emotional distress. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that she cannot refile these claims in the future. In a statement, Lively's lawyers, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, asserted that the dismissal was strategic, stating, “Ms. Lively has offered to dismiss those claims because they are no longer necessary, and she will continue to pursue emotional distress damages through other claims in her lawsuit...This is exactly where both parties were before the Baldoni-Wayfarer Parties rushed to file this utterly pointless motion to compel, all searching for yet another press moment.” Despite this setback for Lively, legal experts predict a high likelihood of the case proceeding to trial in March 2026. The ongoing legal battle between these two prominent figures continues to captivate public attention, raising questions about the dynamics of power and accountability in the entertainment industry. The case highlights the complexities of legal disputes in Hollywood and the lengths to which parties may go to protect their reputations and interests. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both Lively and Baldoni, and will likely serve as a cautionary tale for future collaborations in the film industry.