Actor Blake Lively has responded to a federal judge's decision to dismiss 10 of the 13 claims she filed against her It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni. Lively criticized the framing of the lawsuit as 'celebrity drama' on social media, stating that the physical pain from digital violence is very real. She expressed gratitude for the court's ruling, which allows the heart of her case to be presented to a jury next month.
Lively emphasized that the lawsuit is not just about her, but about the pervasive retaliation she faced and continues to face for asking for a safe working environment. She urged people not to be distracted by the 'digital soap opera' and to pay attention to the ways they can be manipulated online.
The actor also stressed that digital manipulation affects everyone, not just celebrities, and that it's essential to protect children and have conversations with them about online safety. Lively vowed to continue fighting to expose systems and individuals who harm, shame, silence, or retaliate against victims.
The lawsuit against Justin Baldoni has weakened, with a judge dismissing 10 of the 13 claims, including allegations of sexual harassment and defamation. The remaining three claims will proceed to a civil trial in New York on May 18.
