Blake Lively Backs Away from Emotional Distress Claims—What’s Behind the Legal Maneuver?
It’s not every day a high-profile lawsuit takes a sharp left turn, but that’s exactly what happened when Blake Lively formally dropped her emotional distress claims in the case against her *It Ends With Us* co-star Justin Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios. This legal move, greenlit by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman just this week, closes the door on reviving those specific claims down the line. If you’ve been following the saga, you know this isn’t just about a single complaint—it’s part of a bigger storm brewing over the film set of *It Ends With Us*, where Lively alleges she was both harassed and targeted in a smear campaign.
Lively originally filed her lawsuit back in December 2023. She accused Baldoni and other parties involved with the film of sexual harassment and said their actions created an environment so toxic it left her with 'severe emotional distress.' Now, with her decision to withdraw those allegations, the court has also ruled she won’t need to produce her medical records—something that was shaping up to be a contentious fight. In Hollywood lawsuits, digging into a star's private medical history usually draws headlines. This time, it won't be part of the official record.
Confusion, Celebrity Drama, and PR Stunts
Things got even messier when conflicting reports hit the news. While the court has made its position pretty clear, some outlets, like Parade, quoted sources insisting that Lively’s emotional distress claims are still in play. It’s the kind of confusion that turns celebrity legal battles into endless clickbait, fueling speculation about what's really happening behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, Justin Baldoni isn’t staying quiet. His camp tried to subpoena Taylor Swift—yes, the pop superstar and longtime friend of Lively—to testify in the case. Lively’s team slammed the move hard, calling it nothing more than a publicity stunt meant to hype up the trial and put more public pressure on their side. Bringing Taylor Swift into the fray seems to add a whole new layer of spectacle, pulling even more star power into the legal tangle.
Even with the emotional distress piece off the table, the rest of the lawsuit is still raging on. At its core, Lively paints a picture of a workplace tainted by harassment and bad blood, while Baldoni’s team pushes to present the making of *It Ends With Us* as contentious but not criminal. The case remains a closely watched one in Hollywood, not only for the big names attached but because it highlights how off-screen drama can overshadow even the most anticipated film projects. This isn’t just about movie buzz—it’s about allegations that could reshape reputations well beyond the silver screen.
