Blake Lively responded after a judge tossed out huge portions of her sexual harassment case against Justin Baldoni, saying the ruling still clears the way for what she called the heart of her claims to be heard in court.
The actress took to her Instagram Stories on Friday, Apr. 3, to blast the online hate she received amid her legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star.
“The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I face, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”
Blake Lively, in her lengthy statement, adds that she hopes others can speak up despite how “unfathomably painful” it is.
“The physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools. If you’re looking, my claims won’t be their first or last time you’ll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare. And it often won’t be directed at celebrities or those who may able to speak up.”
According to the Gossip Girl icon, such an unfortunate occurrence “affects us all,” and that digital manipulation is “untraceable.” She also encouraged parents to protect their children who have access to phones.
“I couldn’t begin to stand up if not for the countless who’ve gone before me – and the masses who are still around us all – creating laws, social change, sparking conversations, rallying, working privately and publicly, risking and sometimes losing everything for the safety of others in all spaces. Some whose names we know, most we don’t.”
Blake Lively continued:
“I will never stop doing my part to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence, and retaliate against victims. I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going.”
Blake Lively says she’s “grateful” to the court’s ruling
Meanwhile, in her message, Blake Lively still expressed her gratitude for the judge’s ruling despite the outcome.
“I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake, but also for those who don’t have the same opportunity to… many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life, and the countless I’ll never know.”
Blake Lively’s letter comes after a judge dismissed 10 out of her 13 claims, including the sexual harassment allegations, citing jurisdictional issues and that the claims did not meet the legal bar for a hostile work environment.
A trial for the actress’s remaining claims (retaliation and breach of contract) is scheduled on May 18.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino