Latest news with #WayfarerParties'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Judge Rules Blake Lively's Emotional Distress Claims Against Justin Baldoni Are Officially Dead
The judge overseeing the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni lawsuit has decided that the actress' claims for emotional distress are dead. The ruling comes after a tense back in forth between the dueling sides, with Baldoni's lawyers filing a motion to compel her to turn over her medical records and Lively fighting that move. Judge Lewis Liman wrote this morning that Baldoni's motion to compel is denied 'based on Plaintiff's representation that the relevant claims will be withdrawn. Lively's request that 'because the parties have agreed to dismiss Ms. Lively's tenth and eleventh causes of action . . . the Court exercise its inherent authority and authority under Rule 15 to dismiss them without prejudice' is denied without prejudice to renewal. The parties shall stipulate to whether the dismissal is with or without prejudice, or Lively shall renew her request by formal motion. For avoidance of doubt, if the claims are not dismissed, the Court will preclude Lively from offering any evidence of emotional distress.' More from Variety Blake Lively Abandons Claims Against Justin Baldoni of Infliction of Emotional Distress Taylor Swift Excluded From Baldoni-Lively Narrative, as Subpoena Is Withdrawn Blake Lively's Lawyers Fight Back Against Taylor Swift Blackmail Accusation: 'Unequivocally and Demonstrably False' In short, Judge Liman shut down the possibility of Lively changing her mind and turning over her medical records. Lively can choose to try to reach an agreement with Baldoni about dismissing the claims with prejudice — meaning without the right to refile — or she can roll the dice and ask the judge to dismiss the claims without an agreement, in a bid to have him dismiss them without prejudice. Either way, Lively's attorneys can no longer present evidence of her emotional distress claims. On Monday, Baldoni's lawyers filed a motion seeking to compel the actress to sign a HIPAA release for access to therapy notes and other relevant information and referenced her desire to drop the claims rather than acquiesce. 'Instead of complying with the Medical RFPs, Ms. Lively's counsel recently advised us, in writing, that Ms. Lively is withdrawing her [infliction of emotional distress] Claims,' the filing stated. 'However, Ms. Lively has refused the Wayfarer Parties' reasonable request that the withdrawal of such claims be with prejudice. She is only willing to withdraw her claims without prejudice. In other words, Ms. Lively wants to simultaneously: (a) refuse to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress and/or that the Wayfarer Parties were the cause; and (b) maintain the right to re-file her IED Claims at an unknown time in this or some other court after the discovery window has closed.' Lively's lawyers called the filing 'a press stunt' and filed their own response that urged the court to sanction Baldoni's attorneys for the abusing the docket and requested that the motion to compel Lively be denied and struck. 'It is based on two brazenly false assertions. First, they claim that Ms. Lively has 'refused' to disclose medical and mental health information, but as counsel for the Wayfarer Parties concede, that information is relevant only to Ms. Lively's stand-alone tort-based emotional distress claims that she indicated she was withdrawing,' the Lively filing noted. 'To suggest that Ms. Lively has 'refused' to produce anything (in either her written discovery responses, in the parties' conference, or anytime thereafter) in connection with these claims is intentionally misleading to the Court and their intended audience for this false record: the public. Second, they claim that Ms. Lively has 'refused' to properly stipulate to dismissal. But, that would suggest there was any discussion or mutually known dispute as to the stipulation. As noted, there was none.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blake Lively Abandons Claims Against Justin Baldoni of Infliction of Emotional Distress
Blake Lively is attempting to withdraw her claims against Justin Baldoni of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The move comes after Baldoni's legal team sought discovery that included her medical records in their efforts to defend the 'It Ends With Us' director against her claim that she suffered 'severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration and mental anguish.' Lively's attempt to withdraw the two claims surfaced in a filing Monday by Baldoni's attorneys, who are seeking to compel the actress to sign a HIPAA release for access to therapy notes and other relevant information. 'Instead of complying with the Medical RFPs, Ms. Lively's counsel recently advised us, in writing, that Ms. Lively is withdrawing her [infliction of emotional distress] Claims,' today's filing states. 'However, Ms. Lively has refused the Wayfarer Parties' reasonable request that the withdrawal of such claims be with prejudice. She is only willing to withdraw her claims without prejudice. In other words, Ms. Lively wants to simultaneously: (a) refuse to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress and/or that the Wayfarer Parties were the cause; and (b) maintain the right to re-file her IED Claims at an unknown time in this or some other court after the discovery window has closed.' More from Variety Taylor Swift Excluded From Baldoni-Lively Narrative, as Subpoena Is Withdrawn Blake Lively's Lawyers Fight Back Against Taylor Swift Blackmail Accusation: 'Unequivocally and Demonstrably False' Taylor Swift Subpoenaed by Justin Baldoni's Attorney in Blake Lively Suit The court will now need to decide whether to compel Lively to turn over the information on her mental health, which she has sought to avoid, or dismiss the two claims with or without prejudice. It is standard procedure in cases alleging physical or emotional injury for the defense to access the plaintiff's medical records that would shine a light on the root and scope of alleged distress. What is unusual is for a plaintiff to abandon the claims midstream given that it is well known heading into such a lawsuit that medical records will be an unpleasant but inevitable part of the discovery process. The filing, addressed to Judge Liman in U.S. District Court Southern District of New York and signed by Baldoni attorney Kevin Fritz, offers a window on a back and forth that appears to have played out between lawyers for the dueling sides. It continues: 'Ms. Lively cannot have it both ways. If Ms. Lively wants to withdraw her frivolous IED Claims, the Wayfarer Parties are entitled to a dismissal with prejudice to ensure they will not be re-filed. If Ms. Lively is unwilling to stipulate to the dismissal of her IED Claims with prejudice, then the Wayfarer Parties will continue to defend against them, and she must produce her medical information and documents as set forth herein.' The two emotional distress claims were key components of Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni, which she filed in federal court in December after he sued the New York Times for defamation over its story about what happened on the set and in the run-up to the release of the 2024 domestic violence drama, which became a box-office hit, earning $351 million at the box office worldwide off of a $25 million budget. Lively claims she was sexually harassed by Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath and subjected to a smear campaign by his proxies when she complained. Baldoni, who is suing Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million, claims the 'It Ends With Us' star tried to extort him and subsequently defamed him. 'By alleging that she suffered physical and emotional injuries, Ms. Lively has placed her physical and mental condition at issue and, in turn, must produce relevant information and documents [including] psychiatric records,' today's filing states. 'In other words, Ms. Lively has waived any doctor-patient privilege.' The twists and turns in the saga, which now includes six related lawsuits, have hit the docket quickly. Baldoni is also suing and being sued by his former publicist Stephanie Jones who he claims leaked text messages that sparked the ordeal. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blake Lively Abandons Claims Against Justin Baldoni of Infliction of Emotional Distress
Blake Lively is attempting to withdraw her claims against Justin Baldoni of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The move comes after Baldoni's legal team sought discovery that included her medical records in their efforts to defend the 'It Ends With Us' director against her claim that she suffered 'severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration and mental anguish.' Lively's attempt to withdraw the two claims surfaced in a filing Monday by Baldoni's attorneys, who are seeking to compel the actress to sign a HIPAA release for access to therapy notes and other relevant information. 'Instead of complying with the Medical RFPs, Ms. Lively's counsel recently advised us, in writing, that Ms. Lively is withdrawing her [infliction of emotional distress] Claims,' today's filing states. 'However, Ms. Lively has refused the Wayfarer Parties' reasonable request that the withdrawal of such claims be with prejudice. She is only willing to withdraw her claims without prejudice. In other words, Ms. Lively wants to simultaneously: (a) refuse to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress and/or that the Wayfarer Parties were the cause; and (b) maintain the right to re-file her IED Claims at an unknown time in this or some other court after the discovery window has closed.' More from Variety Taylor Swift Excluded From Baldoni-Lively Narrative, as Subpoena Is Withdrawn Blake Lively's Lawyers Fight Back Against Taylor Swift Blackmail Accusation: 'Unequivocally and Demonstrably False' Taylor Swift Subpoenaed by Justin Baldoni's Attorney in Blake Lively Suit The court will now need to decide whether to compel Lively to turn over the information on her mental health, which she has sought to avoid, or dismiss the two claims with or without prejudice. It is standard procedure in cases alleging physical or emotional injury for the defense to access the plaintiff's medical records that would shine a light on the root and scope of alleged distress. What is unusual is for a plaintiff to abandon the claims midstream given that it is well known heading into such a lawsuit that medical records will be an unpleasant but inevitable part of the discovery process. The filing, addressed to Judge Liman in U.S. District Court Southern District of New York and signed by Baldoni attorney Kevin Fritz, offers a window on a back and forth that appears to have played out between lawyers for the dueling sides. It continues: 'Ms. Lively cannot have it both ways. If Ms. Lively wants to withdraw her frivolous IED Claims, the Wayfarer Parties are entitled to a dismissal with prejudice to ensure they will not be re-filed. If Ms. Lively is unwilling to stipulate to the dismissal of her IED Claims with prejudice, then the Wayfarer Parties will continue to defend against them, and she must produce her medical information and documents as set forth herein.' The two emotional distress claims were key components of Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni, which she filed in federal court in December after he sued the New York Times for defamation over its story about what happened on the set and in the run-up to the release of the 2024 domestic violence drama, which became a box-office hit, earning $351 million at the box office worldwide off of a $25 million budget. Lively claims she was sexually harassed by Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath and subjected to a smear campaign by his proxies when she complained. Baldoni, who is suing Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million, claims the 'It Ends With Us' star tried to extort him and subsequently defamed him. 'By alleging that she suffered physical and emotional injuries, Ms. Lively has placed her physical and mental condition at issue and, in turn, must produce relevant information and documents [including] psychiatric records,' today's filing states. 'In other words, Ms. Lively has waived any doctor-patient privilege.' The twists and turns in the saga, which now includes six related lawsuits, have hit the docket quickly. Baldoni is also suing and being sued by his former publicist Stephanie Jones who he claims leaked text messages that sparked the ordeal. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Did Blake Lively Drop Her Lawsuit?' Trends Amid Justin Baldoni Case Update
Blake Lively recently dropped claims of emotional distress against Justin Baldoni in a new legal filing. However, many fans may have been confused by this news and have been wondering if the former dropped her ongoing lawsuit against the latter. Lively and Baldoni's legal saga kicked off in December 2024. This was after the former filed a lawsuit accusing the latter of sexual harassment. Since then, the case, which has garnered widespread attention, has faced numerous developments. So, did Blake Lively drop her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni? Here's what we know. No, Blake Lively has not dropped her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. However, she has dropped her claims of emotional distress against the latter, as per new legal filings. Lively requested to withdraw her claims of intentional emotional distress and negligent emotional distress on June 2, 2025. She filed them at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The actress' filing occurred after Baldoni's legal team tried to gain access to medical records in their efforts to defend their client from Lively's claim that she suffered 'severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration, and mental anguish.' In a Monday filing, it was revealed that Baldoni's attorneys sought to compel the A Simple Favor actress to sign a HIPAA release. This was so that the former could access Lively's therapy notes and other relevant information. However, the filing revealed that instead of complying with the medical FRPs, Lively's legal team advised Baldoni's legal team that the actress was dropping her claims of emotional distress. It also revealed that she was refusing the Wayfarer Parties' request to withdraw the claims with prejudice. Thus, Lively wanted to: Refused to disclose information and documents required to disprove her claims of suffering emotional distress, and that the Wayfarer Parties were guilty. Maintain the right to re-file her IED claims at a later date. The filing from Baldoni's attorneys was called 'a press stunt' by Lively's lawyers Mike Gottlieb and Ersa Hudson. Hudson and Gottlieb noted that they were only 'streamlining and focusing' her case (via Variety). Moreover, in a statement to People, Hudson and Gottlieb claimed that Baldoni's team was trying to get 'another tired round of tabloid coverage.' Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon. The post 'Did Blake Lively Drop Her Lawsuit?' Trends Amid Justin Baldoni Case Update appeared first on Mandatory.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Blake Lively's battle with Justin Baldoni takes U-turn — It Ends With Us actress withdraws emotional distress claims
Blake Lively, 'It Ends With Us" actress is attempting to withdraw her infliction of emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni. Justin Baldoni was accused of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. However, the 37-year-old actress made a shocking legal move on Monday, June 2, in her heated battle. To defend Blake Lively, 'It Ends With Us' director's counsel sought 'Gossip Girl' actress' consent to access her medical and mental health records, Variety reported citing court filing. 'Instead of complying with the Medical RFPs, Ms. Lively's counsel recently advised us, in writing, that Ms. Lively is withdrawing her [infliction of emotional distress] Claims,' the court filing stated. After Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of misconduct and imposed infliction of emotional distress allegations in her December 2024 lawsuit, 'Jane the Virgin' star's attorneys sought the actress' permission to access her medical records. Baldoni's legal team had argued that these medical records were vital in the case to establish Blake Lively's claims. Notably, a signature on a HIPAA release was required to access therapy notes and other relevant information about her medical history. Blake Lively's refusal to provide access to medical records was met with indignation as Baldoni's team stated, 'Ms. Lively has refused the Wayfarer Parties' reasonable request that the withdrawal of such claims be with prejudice. She is only willing to withdraw her claims without prejudice. In other words, Ms. Lively wants to simultaneously: (a) refuse to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress and/or that the Wayfarer Parties were the cause; and (b) maintain the right to re-file her IED Claims at an unknown time in this or some other court after the discovery window has closed.' The actress in her complaint had claimed that she suffered 'severe emotional distress and pain, humiliation, embarrassment, belittlement, frustration and mental anguish.' Meanwhile, Blake Lively's lawyers suggested that her request was 'a routine part of the litigation process that is being used as a press stunt,' Page Six reported.
