Blake Lively has announced her intention to persist in her legal struggle against what she terms “digital violence,” following a recent court ruling that dismissed a majority of her allegations against co-star Justin Baldoni. While the court rejected ten of her thirteen claims, three significant issues will advance to trial next month.

Lively’s allegations primarily involve claims of sexual harassment occurring during the filming of their project. She asserts that following her complaints about unsafe working conditions, Baldoni and his publicists initiated a smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation.

Judge Lewis Liman ruled that the sexual harassment claim could not proceed under federal guidelines since Lively was classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee. Moreover, he stated that California’s harassment statutes were not applicable due to the production being based in New Jersey.

Lively’s Response to Court’s Ruling

In an Instagram message shared on April 4, Lively expressed her anticipation of sharing her narrative in court, asserting that her lawsuit was born from “pervasive retaliation” she has encountered for advocating a safe working environment both privately and professionally. She urged observers not to trivialise her case as mere “celebrity drama,” arguing that such perspectives diminish the seriousness of her experiences.

The actress highlighted that the “physical pain from digital violence is very real,” emphasising that this form of abuse extends beyond the realm of public figures and is present in everyday communities and schools.

Despite the dismissals, Judge Liman acknowledged that Lively’s remaining claims are substantial enough to warrant a jury’s examination concerning unlawful retaliation allegations. These claims include retaliation, aiding and abetting in retaliation, and breach of contract.

Legal Support and Industry Response

Lively’s agency, WME, has distanced itself from Baldoni and publicly expressed its support for her surviving claims. They commended her bravery in confronting an industry culture that often pressures women into silence. In their statement, WME recognised Lively’s “courage, moral clarity, and extraordinary determination” and underscored the urgent need to address the harmful effects of covert digital attacks.

Additionally, a magistrate judge has organised a call for Monday to explore updated settlement proposals. Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, remarked on the importance of identifying and bringing to light the individuals responsible for the digital smear campaigns as a notable achievement in this case.

As the scheduled trial date in May approaches, Lively remains resolute in her commitment to testify, aiming to draw attention to the pervasive issue of online retaliation and its impact on individuals beyond the public eye.

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