It Ends With Us star responds to judge’s ruling in sexual harassment lawsuit
Blake Lively responds to US federal judge’s decision dismissing most of the claims made against her It ends with us lead actor and director Justin Baldoni implores people to ignore the “digital soap opera” and instead focus on the pain caused by digital violence.
US district judge Lewis Liman handed down his ruling in Manhattan last Thursday (Friday AEDT) after more than a year of heated litigation over the 2024 film, based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling romantic drama.
“The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I filed and continue to file this lawsuit because of the rampant RETALIATION I have faced personally and professionally because I want a safe working environment for myself and others,” the actor said. he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday..
“I hope the Court’s decision shows others that you can speak out, no matter how unimaginably painful it is,” he continued. “Don’t be distracted by the digital soap opera. The constant packaging of this case as a ‘Celebrity Drama’ is not only irresponsible, but also by design: to prevent you from seeing yourself in my story. The physical pain caused by digital violence is very real.”
Lively, 38, sued Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios and others in December 2024, seeking unspecified damages for alleged sexual harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy and violations of federal and state civil rights laws. Baldoni, 42, has denied all allegations against him, claiming that the actor resolved his concerns as soon as they were raised.
Last week, the Port dismissed Lively’s sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni and other defendants on jurisdictional grounds, saying Lively had filed suit under California law but that the alleged misconduct occurred elsewhere.
The judge said Lively could file a retaliation lawsuit against Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, as well as a contract claim and aiding and abetting claims against various defendants.
In response, Lively said she was grateful the court’s decision would allow her to present “the merits of her case” to the jury next month.
“If you look, my allegations won’t be the first or last time you’ll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare. And most of the time, they won’t be directed at celebrities or people who can speak out,” he said Tuesday.
“It affects us all. All across the political spectrum. Beware of all the ways we can be manipulated online. Digital manipulation boasts of being ‘untraceable’ (sic). If you have children using phones, they are some of the most vulnerable. Protect them.”
The actor, who has kept a relatively low profile since filing the lawsuit against Baldoni, cited studies estimating that “between 16 percent and 58 percent of women have experienced online harassment or stalking, with 97 percent of gender-based violence service providers reporting technology-facilitated abuse in their cases.”
He expressed his gratitude to those who fought similar struggles before him and helped create new laws and trigger social change.
“I will never stop fighting to expose the systems 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. Your support keeps me going,” she said.
It ends with us The legal saga has fascinated Hollywood since late 2024. pop juggernaut Taylor SwiftAccording to Lively, model Gigi Hadid and actor Hugh Jackman may have information supporting her claims.
In January 2025, Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, for defamation, saying they were trying to destroy his reputation, but Liman dismissed the lawsuit last June.
Some of Lively’s allegations, including retaliation, will go to trial on May 18.
via Reuters
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Nell Geraets is a Culture and Lifestyle reporter for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
