Blake Lively is reportedly seeking to withdraw her claims that her co-star and director Justin Baldoni intentionally and negligently inflicted emotional distress on her during the production of their film It Ends With Us.
The decision is thought to be a response to attempts by Baldoni’s legal team to obtain Lively’s medical records, including therapy notes and other health details, as part of the discovery process.
Baldoni and Lively are currently involved in several legal actions related to her claim that she was sexually harassed by the director during production of their film It Ends With Us, and his claim that she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, attempted to destroy his career.
On Monday, Baldoni’s legal team, acting on behalf of his company Wayfarer Studios, filed a ruling seeking to compel Lively to sign a HIPAA release that would allow them access to her medical records.
The filing states: “Instead of complying with the Medical RFPs, Ms. Lively’s counsel recently advised us, in writing, that Ms. Lively is withdrawing her [infliction of emotional distress] Claims.
“However, Ms. Lively has refused the Wayfarer Parties’ reasonable request that the withdrawal of such claims be with prejudice. She is only willing to withdraw her claims without prejudice.
“In other words, Ms. Lively wants to simultaneously: (a) refuse to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress and/or that the Wayfarer Parties were the cause; and (b) maintain the right to re-file her IED Claims at an unknown time in this or some other court after the discovery window has closed.”
Variety reports that Lively’s lawyers Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb described the filing as “a press stunt” and argued that they are simply “streamlining and focusing” her case.
“The Baldoni-Wayfarer strategy of filing retaliatory claims has exposed them to expansive new damages claims under California law, rendering certain of Ms. Lively’s original claims no longer necessary,” said Hudson and Gottlieb.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
“Ms. Lively continues to allege emotional distress, as part of numerous other claims in her lawsuit, such as sexual harassment and retaliation, and massive additional compensatory damages on all of her claims.”
The Independent approached Baldoni’s legal team, who declined to comment on the record.
Lively sued Baldoni in January, accusing him of sexual harassment on set and of later orchestrating an alleged smear campaign designed to “bury” her.
Baldoni has vehemently denied the accusations and filed a $400 million countersuit accusing Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of trying to “destroy” his career and reputation.
Last month, Baldoni’s team withdrew a subpoena that would have called on Taylor Swift to testify in the trial, which is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026.
