On April 4, Piers Morgan reacted to Blake Lively’s statement that she released after judge dismissed most of her claims in Justin Baldoni’s sexual harassment lawsuit. In her long note, Blake mentioned that lawsuit was the last thing she wanted. She also mentioned that her story will be presented in full to the jury next month.
In response to Lively’s note, Piers Morgan said that the actress is destroying her brand with the lawsuit. The political commentator also called out Blake Lively for allegedly playing victim card. Piers Morgan wrote:
“I’ve read a lot of laughably disingenuous celebrity guff in my time, but this statement by Blake Lively takes the proverbial biscuit. She is destroying her brand with this ridiculous case, and is now reduced to playing the ‘I’m doing it for the world’s children!’ card. Pathetic.”
Blake Lively’s statement after ruling in sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni
The ongoing lawsuit stemmed from Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s movie It Ends With Us. Lively filed a harassment case against her co-star in December 2024. After this, Justin Baldoni also counter sued Lively and denied the charges.
As per the latest ruling, the court dismissed the total 10 claims out of 13 against Justin Baldoni. Following this Blake Lively shared a statement via her IG story, that read:
“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.”
She further revealed that she filed lawsuit due to the retaliation she faced. Blake also added that she will demand personal and professional, safe working environment for herself and people working with her.
“The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others. I hope the Court’s decision shows others that, as unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up.”
The actress also said that many women can relate to her story and connect with what she faced.
“Don’t be distracted by the digital soap opera. The constant packaging of this lawsuit as a “Celebrity Drama” is not only irresponsible, but it is by design: to keep you from seeing yourselves in my story.
She also wrote that the pain from digital violence is real and compared it to abuse. She added that it happens everywhere including communities and schools.
“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 the 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.”
Blake Lively also wrote that online manipulation is untraceable. She urged parents to be more careful about their kids using phones and protect them from digital manipulation.
“It affects us all. Across the political spectrum. Pay attention to all the ways we can be manipulated online. Digital manipulation has been boasted as “untraceable”. If you have kids on phones, they are some of the most vulnerable. Protect them. Have conversations with them.”
The actress further highlighted the statistics of the studies that mentioned around 16% to 58% women have faced online abuse or stalking.
“Studies estimate that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced online abuse or stalking, with 97% of gender-based violence service providers reporting technology-facilitated abuse in their cases.”
Therefore, Blake seeks to create safer systems for women not only during her trial but also after it is over.
“So much critical work has already been done to expose systems, tactics and players who harm. The work to create more safety is in part at trial, but it will also will continue far after this trial is over. This is the work I’m most proud of.
Blake Lively also thanked her fans for their support. She lastly added that she will continue to expose the systems.
“Thank you. All of you. I will never stop doing my part in fighting 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.”
As of this writing, Justin Baldoni remains subject to three claims—aiding and abetting in retaliation, breach of contract, and retaliation—which are scheduled to proceed to a civil trial in New York on May 18.
Edited by Sohini Biswas