Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni case: Blake Lively finally broke her silence after a US federal court tossed out most of her claims in the lawsuit with her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The Gossip Girl star posted a statement on social media, calling out how people are twisting the story online and making it seem like nothing more than celebrity drama. She made it clear she’s not backing down and plans to keep fighting.
Earlier this month, Judge Lewis J. Liman threw out 10 of the 13 claims Blake filed against Justin, which included accusations of harassment and defamation. Even so, the court isn’t done yet. The remaining claims, like breach of contract, retaliation, and helping someone retaliate, are still alive. They’ll go to a civil trial on May 18.
What did Blake Lively say in her statement?
Blake Lively, 38, fired back after the decision, saying she’s committed to seeing this through. She also criticised the way people online keep spinning the case as pure gossip, missing the real issues at stake.
In her statement, she said, “Physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse.”
Blake expressed hope that speaking openly about her experience would encourage other women to address workplace harassment. She added that the legal process could help shed light on the broader issue of retaliation and online attacks against individuals who come forward.
Check out Blake Lively’s full statement below!
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“My claims won’t be the first or last time you’ll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare,” she said in the statement.
The actor further claimed that digital manipulation tactics are often used to intimidate people involved in such disputes. She suggested that efforts to expose harmful systems and tactics are already underway and promised to continue advocating for safer workplaces.
Blake concluded, “I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it.”
What happened between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
Judge Liman’s ruling on April 2 clarified that some of Blake’s allegations could not proceed under California law because the alleged misconduct occurred in New Jersey, where the film was being shot. According to reports, the court also noted that Blake was working as an independent contractor rather than an employee, making certain harassment and retaliation claims legally inapplicable.
The judge also rejected the actress’ defamation claim against Justin’s lawyer Bryan Freedman. However, the court allowed claims accusing the filmmaker of engaging in a “coordinated campaign” to damage her reputation to move forward.