Blake Lively Stands Firm on Emotional Distress Claims Against Justin Baldoni: What Her Legal Team Is Really Saying

Recent developments in the legal clash between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have caught the public’s attention again. Their case revolves around emotional distress claims Lively made after filing a lawsuit on New Year’s Eve against Baldoni, his production team, and others connected to the film It Ends With Us.

Initially, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation through the California Civil Rights Department, which kicked off a series of legal disputes. Currently, Baldoni is countering with his legal claims, making the list of damages over $400 million. The trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026.

The latest twist involves Lively’s claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Baldoni’s attorney, Kevin Fitz, recently informed the court that Lively is considering dropping these claims but with some strings attached. Fitz asserted that if Lively withdraws her claims, the dismissal should prevent her from bringing them up again in the future.

"We want to ensure that if she withdraws these claims, they cannot be re-filed," Fitz stated. He added that Lively would need to provide her medical and mental health records if she continues her fight.

Lively’s legal team cried foul, claiming Baldoni’s side is using tactics aimed at gaining media attention rather than focusing on the case. They argued that this strategy has turned into a publicity stunt rather than a legal battle.

Interestingly, emotional distress is a sensitive issue in Hollywood. Experts suggest that mental health concerns are increasingly transparent in the industry. According to a 2023 survey by the Hollywood Reporter, nearly 80% of industry professionals believe that stress and mental health challenges have only intensified in the wake of the pandemic.

The Lively vs. Baldoni case highlights a growing trend in film and media where personal trauma is not just a subplot but a focal point in legal disputes. This indicates a shift in how emotional and psychological experiences are being perceived both in court and in the public eye.

Whether Lively will amend her lawsuit to include or exclude any emotional distress claims is still uncertain. The discussions continue, and both parties seem poised for a prolonged legal battle, capturing not only legal but also social interest in the process.

For more on emotional distress claims in Hollywood, check out the California Civil Rights Department’s guidelines.

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