Overview

• Judge Lewis Liman denied Lively’s motion to withdraw her emotional distress claims without prejudice, eliminating any opportunity to refile those counts or present evidence of harm.
• Lively’s attorneys said the claims were dropped to streamline the case and that she will still pursue emotional distress damages through her sexual harassment and retaliation allegations.
• Baldoni’s legal team had sought Lively’s medical records to contest her harm assertions, but the judge’s order now forbids their introduction without the defense’s consent.
• Justin Baldoni is countering with a $400 million suit accusing Lively of defamation and damage to his reputation and career.
• Sexual harassment and retaliation claims remain active as the legal battle proceeds toward a scheduled March 2026 trial.