Actress Blake Lively has responded after a court dismissed most of the claims in her lawsuit against colleague Justin Baldoni, stating she is grateful that the remaining claims for aiding and encouraging retaliation and breach of contract will go before a jury next month.
“The last thing I ever wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this suit because of the widespread retaliation I have faced and continue to face, having privately and professionally sought a safe work environment for myself and others,” Lively wrote in an April 3 Instagram Story, adding, “I hope the court’s decision shows others that, no matter how painful it is, you can always speak up.”
The actress warned the public not to underestimate the seriousness of digital abuse: “The continued labeling of this suit as ‘celebrity drama’ is not only irresponsible, it is intentional… The physical pain of digital abuse is very real. It is abuse and it is everywhere.”
As a mother of four children—James (11), Inez (9), Betty (6), and Olin (3)—she called for attention to children’s digital safety: “If you have children who use phones, they are among the most vulnerable. Protect them. Talk to them.”
Lively emphasized her purpose through the lawsuit: “I will never stop fighting to expose the system and people who seek to harm, shame, silence, and retaliate against victims. I know it is a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it.”
The lawsuit was filed in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a defamation campaign, but the judge dismissed the sexual harassment portion. Attorney Sigrid McCawley said:
“For Blake Lively, the greatest justice is exposing the people and playbooks behind these coordinated digital attacks… She can’t wait to testify at trial and continue shedding light on this dangerous form of online retaliation.”