Judge pushes Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to settle emotional distress battle amid courtroom drama
Judge's directives and key arguments
Judge Liman's ruling
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A federal judge has urged Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to negotiate a resolution after Lively formally withdrew her emotional distress claims against Baldoni, marking a pivotal moment in their high-profile legal battle. The latest hearing saw Judge Lewis Liman instruct both parties to decide whether the dismissal of these claims would be permanent (with prejudice) or temporary (without prejudice), emphasizing that there is 'no in-between' and that the parties must reach an agreement before moving forward.The presiding Judge addressed both legal teams during the session, focusing on Lively's request to withdraw her emotional distress claims. Lively's attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, argued that their client wanted to dismiss these claims 'without prejudice,' preserving her right to potentially refile them later. They emphasized that this move was intended to streamline the case and avoid what they described as 'unnecessary and invasive' discovery into Lively's private medical and mental health records.Baldoni's attorneys, however, strongly objected. They argued that Lively's withdrawal should be 'with prejudice,' which would prevent her from bringing the claims again in the future. Their position was that Lively's refusal to provide the requested records undermined Baldoni's ability to defend himself and that allowing her to refile would be unfair.Judge Liman did not immediately grant either side's request. Instead, he instructed both parties to negotiate and submit a joint letter outlining the terms of dismissal. He made it clear that the court would not accept a unilateral dismissal by Lively without Baldoni's agreement and that the distinction between 'with' and 'without prejudice' would be crucial.The judge also denied Baldoni's motion to compel Lively to turn over her medical records, calling the request moot since Lively was seeking to withdraw the claims that made those records relevant.This latest development is the most recent twist in a high-profile case that has gripped Hollywood. The dispute began in December when Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against Baldoni during the production of the film " It Ends With Us ." Baldoni, who has denied all allegations, countered with claims of defamation As the case heads toward a March 2026 trial, the court's directive now places renewed pressure on both parties to reach a settlement or clarify the terms of dismissal, keeping the legal and media spotlight firmly on the ongoing Hollywood feud.
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