Blake Lively says she’s ‘GRATEFUL’ for decide’s ruling and slams ‘on-line abuse’ she’s confronted as she reacts to her sexual harassment claims towards Justin Baldoni being tossed out
Blake Lively said that she is ‘grateful’ for the judge’s ruling as she reacted to her sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni being tossed out this week amid their legal battle.
The 38-year-old actress – who initially filed her lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024 – took to her Instagram stories on Friday to offer her own response in a statement as she also slammed the ‘online abuse’ she has faced.
Along with her sexual harassment claims, Judge Lewis Liman additionally dismissed fat-shaming allegations that she made against her It Ends With Us co-star and director.
However, she can still proceed with the following claims: retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation and breach of contract.
‘I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake…’
The Gossip Girl alum added, ‘But also for those who don’t have the same opportunity to… many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life, and the countless I’ll never know.’
Blake Lively, 38, said that she is ‘grateful’ for the judge’s ruling as she reacted to her sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni being tossed out this week amid their legal battle; seen in 2025 in NYC
The actress took to her Instagram stories on Friday to offer her own response as she also slammed the ‘online abuse’ she has faced
Lively explained to her followers that she never wanted to be a part of a lawsuit, but did so due to the ‘persuasive RETALLIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.’
She wrote that she still hopes others will have the courage to ‘speak up.’
‘Don’t be distracted by the digital soap opera,’ the actress typed, before expressing that adding labels to the lawsuit such as ‘Celebrity Drama’ is ‘irresponsible.’
Lively continued, ‘The physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.’
She also discussed manipulation that can occur online and warned that children with phones ‘are some of the most vulnerable.’
‘Studies estimate that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced online abuse or stalking, with 97% of gender-based violence service providers reporting technology-facilitated abuse in their cases.’
Lively added that she is ‘proud’ over the steps that have been taken to ‘expose systems, tactics and players who harm.’
The star sent gratitude to others who have spoken up before her and also said she is thankful to the support she has received.
Along with her sexual harassment claims, Judge Lewis Liman additionally dismissed fat-shaming allegations that she made against her It Ends With Us co-star and director; Baldoni seen in 2024 in NYC
‘I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake,’ she wrote; seen in February in NYC
The actress also posted a statement from her attorney Mike Gottlieb as she still prepares to go to trial on May 18
In conclusion, Lively added, ‘I will never stop doing my part 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.’
The actress also posted a statement from her attorney Mike Gottlieb as she still prepares to go to trial on May 18.
‘It is completely unsurprising that Bryan Freedman does not understand the court’s actual ruling,’ he said, referring to Baldoni’s attorney.
‘He didn’t even argue the summary judgement motion he’s now spinning, had to bring in another law firm for the trial, and just last week was reprimanded by the court for having filed legally frivolous claims.’
Gottlieb then said that the court holds Lively ‘provided sufficient evidence’ on other claims including: ‘She reasonably believed, in good faith, that the behavior she privately raised concerns about was unlawful sexual harassment.’
Her attorney also shared a quote from the Court in regards to her sexual harassment claims.
It read: ‘A person in her position could have understood the workplace to at times reflect a gendered and sexualized view and a disregard for their privacy sufficient to make it reasonable to complain about a hostile work environment based on sex or gender.”‘
Gottlieb concluded with, ‘The retaliation Ms. Lively faced for privately speaking up for a safe working environment has always been the beating heart of her case.
‘It is why she filed her lawsuit. The Court found ample evidence to move her case forward. We look forward to trial on May 18.’
