Blake Lively speaks out after court ruling ahead of Justin Baldoni trial
Blake Lively is speaking out after a major legal development in her ongoing case involving her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni.
On Friday, the actress and producer shared a statement to her Instagram Stories following a federal judge’s decision that dismissed several of her claims, including allegations of on-set misconduct, while allowing portions of the case tied to alleged retaliation to move forward.
"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, 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, and the countless I'll never know," Lively wrote in her Instagram statement.
The ruling, issued by a New York federal judge, comes just weeks before the case is expected to head to trial. While a significant portion of Lively’s original claims were dismissed, the court determined that elements related to reputational harm and retaliation can still be argued before a jury.
"The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others," Lively wrote in her statement. "I hope the Court's decision shows others that, as unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up."
Lively noted that the remaining claims represent what she described as the "core" of her case, adding that she is prepared to share her full account when proceedings begin.
"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 continued.
Lively emphasized her intention to continue speaking out, framing the situation as part of a broader effort to challenge systems that silence individuals who come forward with similar misconduct allegations. She also acknowledged that having a platform to do so is not something she takes lightly.
Her legal team has previously echoed that sentiment, maintaining that the case centers on the consequences she allegedly faced after raising concerns about workplace conditions.
Baldoni's legal team has denied the allegations against the actor and director. In a statement after the judge's ruling, his attorneys said they were "very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim" brought against Baldoni and his co-defendants.
"These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided," Baldoni's legal team said. "What's left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court."
