Blake Lively shared a lengthy message via social media days after a judge dismissed many of her claims in her lawsuit against “It Ends With Us” director Justin Baldoni.
“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,” the “Gossip Girl” star began on Monday, April 6.
“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.”
Judge Dismisses Blake Lively Claims
A federal judge on Thursday, April 2, dismissed 10 of the 13 claims filed by Lively against her former co-star.
Three of Lively’s 13 claims will be argued in court when the trial begins next month, including breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation, per USA Today.
“I hope the Court’s decision shows others that, as unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up,” Lively continued in her Monday statement. “Don’t be distracted by the digital soap opera…The physical pain from digital violence is very real.”
She added, “It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools. If you’re looking, my claims won’t be the first or last tie you’ll see examples of the extrame dangers of retaliation and digital warfare. And it often won’t be directed at celebrities or those who may able to speak up.”
The mother of four — who shares children daughters Ines, Betty, James and son Olin, with husband Ryan Reynolds — went on to assert that she plans to be an advocate for victims like herself.
“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. I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it,” Lively concluded.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Set for Trial
The battle between the two “It Ends With Us” co-stars became public in 2024, during the movie’s press tour.
“What the Court actually decided yesterday is that Blake Lively provided evidence to go to trial on her core claims: that she spoke out against what she believed was sexual harassment on the set, and suffered retaliation that harmed her reputation as a result,” Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb shared in a statement alongside her own.
Trial is set to begin May 18 in New York.
