Blake Lively has spoken out after a judge dismissed several of the actress’ claims against her It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal battle.
“I am 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,” Lively, 38, began in a lengthy statement shared via her Instagram Story on Friday, April 3.
The actress continued, “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continued to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”
Lively added that she hoped the court’s decision won’t keep others from speaking up. She also shared that while her situation might be labeled as “celebrity drama,” others outside of the spotlight who have endured similar issues can also relate to her story.
“The physical pain from digital violence is very real,” she wrote. “It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.”
Lively explained that digital violence “affects us all,” including women and children.
“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 continue far after this trial is over. This is the work I’m most proud of,” she shared. “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. Thank you. All of you.”
Lively added that she “will never stop doing” her part in the fight 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,” she concluded.
Lively’s statement comes one day after Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 out of the 13 claims the actress made against Baldoni in their ongoing legal battle.
This story is developing.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.usmagazine.com ’
