US Judge Blocks Blake Lively Emotional Distress Refile Against Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are embroiled in a high-profile legal battle stemming from Lively's allegations of sexual harassment and a smear campaign during the production of 'It Ends With Us.' Lively attempted to withdraw her emotional distress claims against Baldoni without prejudice, aiming to potentially refile them later, but US District Judge Lewis Liman denied this request, effectively blocking her from refiling those claims. The judge also ruled that Lively cannot present evidence of emotional distress in court unless a formal agreement is reached on whether the claims are dismissed with or without prejudice. Baldoni's legal team had sought access to Lively's medical records to substantiate their defense, but the judge denied this motion based on Lively's withdrawal of the claims. Both parties have exchanged accusations of strategic legal maneuvers, with Lively's attorneys accusing Baldoni of using the dispute for media attention, while Baldoni's team argues Lively is trying to 'have it both ways.' The ongoing litigation continues to focus on whether the emotional distress claims remain part of the case, with negotiations pending on their final dismissal status.