Blake Lively Stands with Women Post-Lawsuit Squabble
Blake Lively Pledges Support for Other Women Post-"Gossip Girl" series wrap-up - Will "Pain" show solidarity with other females?
In the spirit of standing up for women, following her court victory over acting pal Justin Baldoni, actress Blake Lively voiced her solidarity with other women in similar predicaments. "Like many others, I've felt the sting of a countersuit, including the manufactured shame that's designed to shatter us," the 37-year-old penned across her Instagram story.
Also known for her role in "Gossip Girl," Lively initially sued Baldoni (41, "Jane the Virgin") and producer Jamey Heath back in December, claiming they sought to besmirch her reputation due to sexual harassment on the set of their film "Just Once More." Baldoni, who also directed the project, hit back with a defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds (48). With a New York judge dismissing Baldoni's defamation lawsuit, the stage is set for a potential trial in connection to Lively's sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni and his production company, set for spring 2026.
Refusing to let her victory be the final word, Lively wrote, "Even though my case was dismissed, there are still many who can't afford to fight back. I'm more determined than ever to be a voice for every woman's right to have a say, to protect herself, and to seek justice, whether it concerns her safety, integrity, dignity, or story." Here, she shared a list of resources designed to support women enduring legal struggles and dealing with sexual harassment.
Her Trusted Allies
In her battle against sexual harassment, Lively is supported by various advocacy groups, as outlined below:
- Equal Rights Advocates: A not-for-profit championing gender equality and workplace protections. They recently submitted an amicus brief in favor of Lively's motion to dismiss Baldoni's defamation countersuit, asserting the significance of safeguarding those who speak out about sexual misconduct[1].
- California Employment Lawyers Association: Aligned with Equal Rights Advocates, this group played a key role in passing California Assembly Bill 933, an integral part of California Civil Code 47.1. This law protects sexual harassment and assault victims from facing retaliatory defamation suits[2].
- California Women's Law Center: Involved in the passage of AB933, this organization backs Lively's crusade in upholding legal protections for those speaking out against sexual misconduct[2].
On the Line of Justice
Lively's unwavering stance on sexual harassment within the film industry is demonstrated by her tireless efforts to amplify the voices of victims. The legal spat with Baldoni underscores her steadfast commitment to securing legal protections for those who speak out about sexual misconduct. Addressing her stance, Lively's representative emphasized her resolute drive to continue advocating for justice and protecting the rights of victims[1].
Aiming to ensure a safe and just environment for all, Lively's advocacy aligns with the broader push to safeguard victims of sexual harassment and build legal frameworks that support their right to speak out without fear of reprisal.
- Justin Baldoni
- Blake Lively
- Women
- Gossip Girl
- Sexual Harassment
- Legal Advocacy
- Safety
- Integrity
- Dignity
- Justice
- California
- New York
[1] Equal Rights Advocates, "Blake Lively's Case Offers a Critical Moment to Protect Survivors from Retaliatory Defamation Suits" (December 21, 2022), https://equalrights.org/2022/12/21/blake-livelys-case-offers-a-critical-moment-to-protect-survivors-from-retaliatory-defamation-suits
[2] California Women's Law Center, "Landmark California Law Protects Victims from Retaliatory Defamation" (November 16, 2020), https://cwlc.org/landmark-california-law-protects-victims-from-retaliatory-defamation/
Blake Lively, having found support from Equal Rights Advocates and California Employment Lawyers Association, is also advocating for the improvement of mental health and wellness within women, emphasizing the importance of addressing pain and ensuring health-and-wellness in the vicious cycle of sexual harassment incidents. In the USA, such advocacy is crucial for enabling the media and people to view cases like hers with empathy, rather than succumbing to gossip girl-like sensationalism on television or film.
In the spirit of driving forward legal protections for women, Lively's unwavering efforts are not confined to her struggle against Justin Baldoni; she aspires to advance in science and technology, aiming to create a society where women can live without fear or mental anguish, particularly in the realm of workplaces within New York and California.
