Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Blake Lively's Passionate Defense: The Surprising Twist in Her Legal Drama with Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively, 37, penned a gushing post to her personal trainer Don Saladino - who Justin Baldoni allegedly 'fat-shamed' her to; seen in April in NYC

The Drama Continues: Blake Lively's War with Justin Baldoni Heats Up

In a shocking turn of events, Hollywood starlet Blake Lively has dropped her claim against director Justin Baldoni that he intentionally caused her emotional distress. But don't think for a second that this is the end of the drama-filled saga between these two A-listers.

Just days ago, we reported on the latest twist in their acrimonious battle: a new court filing revealed that Lively's team had quietly dropped their claim without prejudice, meaning they could refile it at any time. This move has sparked a heated exchange between Baldoni's lawyers and Lively's camp, with both sides trading barbs in a war of words.

Lively reposted a reel that was originally shared to Saladino's Instagram page as he tried to guess which Hair and Body Mist that her husband Ryan Reynolds wears

But what's behind this latest development? Sources close to the situation tell The Scholarly Note that Lively's team was trying to avoid having to share her medical records with Baldoni's legal team. Yes, you read that right - it seems that Lively is trying to hide something, and we're about to spill all the tea.

The Backstory

For those who may have missed our previous coverage, let's take a quick recap: Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment last year, alleging that he had made unwanted advances towards her on set. Baldoni has since countersued for defamation, claiming that Lively and her team have been spreading false rumors about him.

She added, 'You've kept me strong and confident in my body for the past 15 years. Through 4 pregnancies and post partum. Action movies. Major life events. Daily life. You are steady and kind and are made of rock solid integrity'

But things took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Lively's lawyers had threatened to leak private text messages between the actress and her BFF Taylor Swift if Swift refused to issue a statement in support of Lively. Yes, you read that right - it seems that Lively's team is trying to blackmail Swift into backing them up.

The Plot Thickens

Now, we've got some juicy gossip to share: sources close to the situation tell us that Ellyn S. Garofalo, a seasoned trial attorney with over three decades of courtroom experience, has joined Baldoni's side as part of his legal team. And here's the kicker - Garofalo used to work at Venable LLP, the same law firm that represented Taylor Swift in her lawsuit against Scooter Braun.

Blake concluded with, 'I'm so proud to have you and Mel in my life... Get you a best buddy who knows your husband's smell'

But what does this mean for Swift? Insiders claim that Garofalo was "compelled" to join the case after reviewing its circumstances and feeling strongly that an injustice was unfolding. And we can't help but wonder: is this a sign of things to come?

The Drama Continues

Meanwhile, Lively has been busy plugging her new beauty line, Blake Brown Beauty, on social media. But don't think for a second that she's letting up on the drama - just last week, she penned a gushing post to her personal trainer Don Saladino, thanking him for keeping her "strong and confident in my body for the past 15 years."

The pair could be seen donning black fitness attire as they filmed the clip inside what appeared to be a kitchen area

But here's the thing: Saladino was also allegedly dragged into Lively's lawsuit with Baldoni. According to reports, Baldoni had asked Saladino about Lively's weight during filming of It Ends With Us - an incident that Lively has since claimed caused her emotional distress.

The Trial is Coming

And finally, we've got some news on the trial front: sources close to the situation tell us that the trial between Lively and Baldoni is scheduled for March 2026. Will justice be served? Only time will tell - but one thing's for sure: this drama-filled saga is far from over.

'Blake I'm so proud of you,' he began. 'The Blake Brown line is absolutely incredible. I hope that everyone tries it. Mel and I love you'

The Final Verdict

In conclusion, it seems that Blake Lively has dropped her claim against Justin Baldoni, but don't think for a second that this means the drama is over. With both sides trading barbs and new players entering the fray, we can only imagine what's in store for these two A-listers.

As one insider puts it: "This is just the beginning of a long and messy saga." And we couldn't agree more - stay tuned, folks, this drama is far from over.

Lively's fitness coach was notably dragged into her lawsuit with Justin when she claimed that Baldoni had 'fat-shamed' her to Saladino by asking him about her weight amidst filming It Ends With Us

At one point in the conversation, the director had asked Don about the actress's weight - which he claimed had been in 'good faith' and also a 'reasonable question' to ask a fitness coach; seen in 2024 in L.A.

Earlier this year amid the ongoing lawsuit, Saladino edited a post from last year and voiced his support for Lively; the pair seen in 2020 in NYC

Earlier this week, a new development was made amid the lawsuit as Blake dropped her claim that Baldoni intentionally caused her emotional distress, after his legal team demanded to see medical proof; seen in March in Texas

An insider told DailyMail.com that Lively's lawyers had hoped to quietly ditch the emotional distress elements of the lawsuit to dodge having her records scrutinized

The withdrawal is the latest twist in a tsunami of legal developments that in recent weeks has seen the warring pair battle it out over his attempt to subpoena her one-time bestie, Taylor Swift; seen in 2024 in Las Vegas

Ellyn S. Garofalo, who previously worked with Venable LLP – the law firm used by Swift – has joined Baldoni's side as part of the Wayfarer legal team in a move that has prompted fans to question the singer's involvement in the ongoing war; seen in 2024 in NYC

The Daily Mail exclusively revealed that the 'leaker' was none other than Scott Swift - the singer's 73-year-old father; seen in 2024 in Miami