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Blake Lively recently voiced her thoughts following a judge’s decision to dismiss several claims she made against Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the film “It Ends With Us,” as their legal dispute continues.
“I am thankful for the court’s decision which allows the essential elements of my case to be heard by a jury next month. This gives me the opportunity to fully share my story during the trial, not only for my own sake but also for those who lack the chance to do so,” expressed Lively, aged 38, in a detailed statement posted on her Instagram Story on Friday, April 3. “Many of them are people I’ve known and loved dearly, as well as countless others I will never meet.”
She further elaborated, saying, “Initiating a lawsuit was never my intention, but I felt compelled to take this step due to the widespread retaliation I experienced and continue to face for privately and professionally advocating for a safe work environment for myself and others.”
Lively emphasized her hope that the court’s ruling does not discourage others from coming forward. She acknowledged that while her situation might be dismissed as “celebrity drama,” her experiences resonate with many individuals outside the public eye who have faced similar challenges.
In response to a U.S. District Court judge’s decision to dismiss 10 out of 13 claims against Justin Baldoni, Lively’s team reaffirmed their commitment to the case. They stated, “This case remains centered on the severe retaliation and the extraordinary measures taken by the defendants.”
“The physical pain from digital violence is very real,” she wrote. “It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.”
Lively explained that digital violence “affects us all,” including women and children.
“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,” she 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. Thank you. All of you.”
Lively added that she “will never stop doing” her part in the fight 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,” she concluded.
Lively’s statement comes one day after Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 out of the 13 claims the actress made against Baldoni in their ongoing legal battle.
This story is developing.