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Blake Lively releases statement after dismissal of sexual harassment case vs Justin Baldoni
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Blake Lively has released a statement after a US court dismissed her sexual harassment case against Justin Baldoni.
On Instagram, the “Gossip Girl” star expressed gratitude after a court ruling allowed her sexual harassment case to move forward, with the matter set to be presented before a jury in May.
“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,” she began.
According to Lively, filing the lawsuit was not her intention, but became necessary due to what she described as “pervasive retaliation” that she faced after requesting a safe working environment both privately and professionally.
“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.
“I hope the Court's decision shows others that, as unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up,” she added.
In her statement, Lively criticized the portrayal of the case as “celebrity drama,” warning that such framing distracts from deeper issues.
“Don’t be distracted by the digital soap opera. The constant packaging of this lawsuit as a ‘Celebrity Drama’ is not only irresponsible, but it is by design: to keep you from seeing yourselves in my story.”
She further highlighted the impact of online abuse, stressing that “the physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse. And it’s everywhere.”
Lively also emphasized that digital violence extends far beyond the entertainment industry, warning that abuse and retaliation occur “not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.”
“If you're looking, my claims won't be the first or last time you'll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare. And it often won't be directed at celebrities or those who may be able to speak up. It affects us all. Across the political spectrum,” she said.
Lively also cautioned against the dangers of online manipulation, which she described as sometimes being promoted as “untraceable,” urging parents to protect children who are among the most vulnerable.
“Pay attention to all the ways we can be manipulated online. Digital manipulation has been boasted as ‘untraceable.’ If you have kids on phones, they are some of the most vulnerable. Protect them. Have conversations with them,” she urged.
Citing studies, she highlighted that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced online abuse or stalking, while 97% of gender-based violence service providers report technology-facilitated abuse in their cases.
She added that while the trial is part of the effort to create safer spaces, the work will continue beyond it.
“So much critical work has already been done to expose systems, tactics and players who harm. The work to create more safety is in part at trial, but it will also continue far after this trial is over. This is the work I'm most proud of,” Lively shared.
“I couldn't begin to stand up if not for the countless who've gone before me - and the masses who are still around us all - creating laws, social change, sparking conversations, rallying, working privately and publicly, risking and sometimes losing everything for the safety of others in all spaces. Some whose names we know, most we don't.”
Reaffirming her advocacy, Lively said she will continue pushing for accountability.
“Thank you. All of you. 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. Your support keeps me going.”
On April 3, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Lively’s sexual harassment claims in her lawsuit against actor and director Justin Baldoni whom she starred with in the 2024 romantic drama "It Ends With Us."
In a 152-page decision, Liman wrote that Baldoni's alleged conduct appeared to be directed towards Lively's character in the scene, rather than Lively herself.
"Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment," the judge wrote.
Liman said Lively can still try to convince jurors that Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against her after she complained about misconduct on the movie set.
The judge said jurors could consider whether the defendants “impermissibly and materially altered” Lively’s career prospects, through what she called a smear campaign after Baldoni hired public relations and crisis management specialists.
The case is scheduled to go to trial on May 18.
Lively, 38, sued Baldoni, Wayfarer and others in December 2024, seeking damages for alleged harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy and violations of federal and state civil rights laws.
She complained the defendants created a sexually charged atmosphere during the movie's production, then schemed to silence her and others from speaking out about the hostile environment they created.
"It Ends With Us" starred Lively as a flower shop owner who marries a neurosurgeon played by Baldoni.
His character becomes abusive, reminding Lively's character of her parents' relationship, and the marriage falls apart after Lively's character reconnects with her first love, who became a chef and restaurant owner.
— LA, GMA News
