Judge Dismisses Blake Lively’s Emotional Distress Claims
The judge presiding over the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has ruled that Lively’s emotional distress claims are no longer valid. This decision follows a contentious exchange between the parties, during which Baldoni’s legal team sought to compel Lively to submit her medical records, a move she resisted.
Details of the Ruling
Judge Lewis Liman stated that Baldoni’s motion to compel is denied “based on Plaintiff’s representation that the relevant claims will be withdrawn.” He further indicated that a request to dismiss certain claims must be addressed formally, emphasizing that if the claims are not dismissed, Lively will be barred from presenting any evidence related to emotional distress.
Limitations on Future Actions
In essence, Judge Liman ruled out the possibility of Lively reversing her stance regarding the disclosure of her medical records. Lively must either negotiate with Baldoni to dismiss the claims with prejudice, eliminating the option to refile, or seek the court’s dismissal without an agreement.
Reactions from Legal Teams
Baldoni’s attorneys opted not to comment on the ruling, while Lively’s legal representatives, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, dismissed the motion to compel as “utterly pointless.” They acknowledged that discussions regarding the technicalities of the claims’ dismissal should continue.
Background and Legal Standard Procedures
Baldoni’s legal team had previously filed a motion, requesting that Lively sign a HIPAA release to access her therapy notes. This request is standard in cases concerning emotional or physical injury claims, as it helps the defense understand the basis of any alleged distress.
Counterclaims and Allegations
Lively’s attorneys characterized Baldoni’s motion as a publicity stunt and asserted that the claims made within it were misleading. They argued that Lively’s willingness to withdraw her emotional distress claims was misrepresented, and highlighted the lack of mutual agreement on the stipulation for dismissal.
Wider Implications of the Lawsuit
This case is unfolding in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of “It Ends With Us” and has alleged a retaliatory smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, claiming extortion and defamation. There are currently six active lawsuits pertaining to the incidents surrounding this production.
