Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni headed for 2026 trial
Blake Lively, star of the hit film It Ends With Us , has moved to withdraw her headline-grabbing emotional distress claims against co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
This twist comes just months after Lively accused Baldoni of creating a toxic set and causing 'severe emotional harm' to her and her family during filming in late 2024.
Court documents reveal that Lively is attempting to drop her claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
These were the heart of her lawsuit, which painted a picture of humiliation, frustration, and mental anguish on set.
But why the sudden change? Baldoni's legal team demanded access to Lively's medical and therapy records to challenge her claims, according to Variety.
Instead of handing over these deeply personal documents, Lively's lawyers notified the court she would withdraw the distress claims.
Lively wants to drop the claims 'without prejudice'—meaning she could refile them later. Baldoni's team isn't having it.
They insist the claims should be dismissed 'with prejudice,' slamming the door on any future attempts. As Baldoni's lawyer put it, 'Ms. Lively cannot have it both ways'.
Baldoni is suing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist for a jaw-dropping $400 million (about R7.8 billion).
He claims Lively orchestrated a smear campaign and defamed him, destroying his career and reputation.
'They are trying to shift the narrative,' Lively's lawyers counter, accusing Baldoni of using the courts to silence her after she spoke out about alleged harassment.
Baldoni's talent agency, WME, which also represents Lively and Reynolds, dropped him as a client.
The agency's decision came as scrutiny over the allegations mounted, putting the production and everyone involved under a harsh spotlight.
The case has echoes of our celebrity legal dramas, where privacy, dignity, and public perception collide.
Lively's reluctance to hand over her medical records will resonate with many who value personal boundaries, while the sheer size of Baldoni's counterclaim is enough to make anyone's jaw drop.
Either way, the legal battle is far from over. The trial is set for March 2026, and both stars are digging in for a long fight.
Representatives for both Lively and Baldoni have declined to comment. For now, the world will be watching as this blockbuster courtroom showdown unfolds.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Confronting racism in our schools
The latest incident of alleged racism at Bryandale Primary School in Bryanston is yet another painful reminder that South African schools still have a long way to go before genuine transformation and inclusion are achieved. It is alleged that an Indian learner told two Black students, 'You stupid Black people are so predictable.' Such language is deeply offensive, dehumanising, and has no place in any learning environment. This incident must be treated with the seriousness it demands, not as a 'playground misunderstanding,' but as a reflection of wider issues of racism and marginalisation that persist in our schools. While many public and private schools proudly promote values of diversity and transformation in their mission statements, these values must go beyond lip service. Transformation is not a passive hope; it requires active, ongoing engagement and institutional introspection. Schools play a critical role in redressing the deep inequalities and marginalisation embedded in our society. They must be proactive in creating safe and affirming environments for all children, not only through symbolic gestures but through deliberate action, anti-racism training, and clear accountability mechanisms. The incident at Bryandale is not isolated. Just two days ago, a Grade 8 learner at De La Salle Holy Cross College was reportedly told, 'You don't belong… go home, you (K-word).' In 2024, Pretoria High School for Girls made headlines after racist WhatsApp messages targeted Black pupils. That same year, Jeppe High School for Girls in Johannesburg came under fire when Black pupils were removed from class for wearing coloured braids, while white pupils with dyed hair faced no repercussions. These are not isolated "bad apples." They reflect systemic failures that schools must urgently address. We call on school governing bodies, education departments, and communities to treat these incidents with the seriousness they deserve. Silence or delay enables racism to fester. We must demand not only awareness but transformation that is measurable, monitored, and real. Because if our schools can't be safe and just spaces for our children, we cannot expect our society to be either. Matthew Cook, GOOD National Chairperson and City of Johannesburg Councillor
Eyewitness News
2 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
LISTEN: The Money Show highlights – Beauty on TApp CEO Mathebe Ngwenya and wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane
On this week's episode of 'The Best Bits of The Money Show', Mathebe Ngwenya shares her remarkable journey of founding Beauty on TApp, highlighting the courage, resilience, and deep passion that fueled her mission. Warren Ingram, financial advisor and Co-Founder of Galileo Capital, discusses the importance of being prepared for unexpected financial emergencies. Stephen interviews inspiring South African wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane. Consumer expert Wendy Knowler explores how technology has revolutionised everyday communication and convenience, and asks whether companies are leaning too heavily on bots and automated responses.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Woman allegedly sexually assaulted during oil massage
A 25-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted while having an oil massage at an undisclosed hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The woman reported that a female masseuse sexually assaulted her. Explaining to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the woman said that she had booked a massage at the hotel after suffering pain on both her feet while training for an upcoming sporting event. Emotionally distraught, the woman said that within minutes of the massage, the female masseuse rubbed oils onto her private parts and touched her inappropriately. She asked the masseuse to stop what she was doing, which she did. The masseuse then asked the victim to turn over. However, that was not the end of it. When the woman lay on her back, the masseuse moved her underwear aside and began touching her private parts with one hand while fondling her breast at the same time. She recalls that her eyes were immediately filled with tears and she requested that the massage be stopped. While getting dressed, the masseuse also broke down, cried and repeatedly apologised explaining that she was bisexual and had become aroused during the massage session. The woman is currently seeking advice on registering a criminal case. A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment after being convicted for raping a 19-year-old female victim in an incident that occurred in August 2021. According to a police statement, the victim was visiting a friend at their parental home in Drikoppies Trust. While on her way back home, the accused, Calvin Shabangu, violently assaulted the victim, destroyed her mobile phone and forced her into his bedroom where he repeatedly raped her. Following the assault, the victim fled the scene and reached a nearby house for assistance. The following day, she reported the matter to her family and was taken to the Schoemansdal Police Station, where a rape case was officially opened. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Tonga, with members from Schoemansdal Visible Policing, traced and arrested Shabangu. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed his gratitude displayed by the Investigation team, the Prosecution team, and the Judiciary. 'We commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and the exceptional efforts demonstrated by our SAPS members in ensuring swift justice. This outcome reinforces our commitment to combating Gender-Based-Violence and ensuring the safety of our communities,' said Mkhwanazi. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
