Actress Blake Lively has spoken out following the dismissal of Justin Baldoni's lawsuit against her, expressing her commitment to supporting women's rights.
Lively, 37, shared her thoughts on Instagram, stating, "Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending women's rights to speak up for their safety." She also acknowledged the pain of retaliatory lawsuits, emphasizing that many lack the resources to fight back.
Blake declared her resolve to continue advocating for women's rights, including their safety, integrity, dignity, and the right to tell their stories. She highlighted available protections for women in need, linking to organizations like the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the National Organization for Women.
Lively's statement comes after Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit and a $250 million libel complaint against The New York Times. The judge noted that Baldoni can still amend his claims, with a deadline of June 23.
The legal battle began in December 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment during the filming of "It Ends With Us." Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane.
Following the dismissal, Lively's team issued a statement calling it a complete victory. Her attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, added that they are looking forward to the next round, seeking fees and damages against Baldoni and others. A source close to Lively and Reynolds revealed that the couple feels relief and vindication.
The insider added that Lively is proud of using her voice and standing strong. The counterattacks will no longer be given more air.