Blake Lively is no longer pursuing claims for emotional distress in her lawsuit against It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni.
Baldoni challenged the move, arguing that Lively’s lawyers should be forced to completely abandon the claim.
Tuesday’s order forecloses the possibility of Lively refiling emotional distress claims and providing her medical records unless Baldoni allows her to do so.
The actress can also file a formal motion for the court to dismiss the claims without prejudice, which the court will assess if she chooses to go down that path.
If she chooses to proceed with those claims, she won’t be able to present evidence of emotional distress.
Blake Lively has decided to drop her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, the director of It Ends With Us, for emotional distress.
This action was taken after the judge presiding over the case denied the actress’ request on Tuesday to resubmit the claim if she decides to drop them.
Because Lively “represented that the relevant claims will be withdrawn,” U wrote that Lively’s motion was “denied.”. S. . Lewis Liman, the district judge, issued an order on Tuesday.
Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lively’s attorneys, said in a statement that their client is dropping some claims because “they are no longer necessary” and that she will “continue to pursue emotional distress damages through other claims in her lawsuit,” which include retaliation and sexual harassment. By bringing retaliatory claims, the “Baldoni-Wayfarer strategy has exposed them to expansive damages under California law,” they continued. “.”.
Lively voluntarily consented to drop her claim of emotional distress on Friday in an effort to expedite the legal process. In order to refile the claim later, she moved to drop it “without prejudice.”.
Baldoni objected, saying Lively’s attorneys ought to be made to drop the allegation altogether. He emphasized that the actress is not allowing him to refute claims that his alleged misconduct caused her emotional distress because she is refusing to give up her medical records.
Unless Baldoni permits it, Lively’s ability to resubmit emotional distress claims and provide her medical records is barred by Tuesday’s order.
The actress has the option to formally request that the court dismiss the claims without prejudice; if she decides to do so, the court will evaluate her request. It will be impossible for her to provide proof of emotional distress if she decides to go ahead with those claims.
Baldoni’s spokesperson opted not to comment.
