Blake Lively Vows to Keep Fighting as Court Limits Lawsuit Scope
Blake Lively has spoken publicly following a major legal development in her lawsuit involving Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios.
Blake Lively responds after a judge dismisses major claims in her case against Justin Baldoni, leaving retaliation and contract issues for trial.
A ruling delivered Thursday by Lewis Liman dismissed several central allegations tied to claims of misconduct on the set of It Ends With Us. The decision removes accusations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy, narrowing the upcoming trial to issues related to alleged retaliation, breach of contract, and claims involving a public relations firm connected to Baldoni.
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Despite the setback, Lively emphasized that the core of her case remains intact and is still moving forward toward trial in May.
“I will never stop doing my part in fighting to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims,” she wrote in a message shared on Instagram Stories.
She also expressed appreciation for the court’s decision, stating, “I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial.”
According to Lively, the case represents more than just her own experience. “For my own sake, but also for those who don’t have the same opportunity to… many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life,” she added.
The actress explained that taking legal action was not her intention. “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit,” she said, before pointing to “the pervasive retaliation I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment.”
She suggested the ruling could inspire others to speak up. “As unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up,” she added.
Lively, who is expected to testify, acknowledged the opportunity to present her side. “I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it,” she wrote.
She also reflected on broader support from others, noting, “I couldn’t begin to stand up if not for the countless who’ve gone before me… some whose names we know, most we don’t.”
Addressing online discourse, she warned, “Don’t be distracted by the digital soap opera,” adding, “The physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse. And it’s everywhere.”
She continued by highlighting the wider implications of the case: “My claims won’t be the first or last time you’ll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare.”
Court findings noted that while Baldoni had the right to defend his reputation, some alleged actions could be interpreted as damaging to Lively’s standing. The ruling also referenced evidence that could suggest more aggressive strategies aimed at impacting her career.
Her legal representative, Sigrid McCawley, reiterated the focus of the case: “It has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation.”
She added, “For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed.”
Attorneys representing Baldoni, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, stressed that the decision leaves a “significantly narrowed case.”
Support also came from WME, which stated, “In an industry that too often asks women to absorb the damage and stay quiet, Blake Lively chose to stand up.”
The agency added that she showed “courage, moral clarity, and extraordinary determination,” while helping expose “covert digital takedown campaigns designed to intimidate, discredit, and drown out the truth.”
