Blake Lively prepares for 'explosive' New Year start, ready to tackle 'whatever comes her way'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Blake Lively is focusing on taking life one day at a time following her recent legal filing against Justin Baldoni.
The actress filed a complaint against Justin Baldoni alleging sexual harassment on sets of 'It Ends With Us' and a retaliatory smear campaign, which she claims aimed to harm her reputation.
Blake Lively feels 'very fortunate' to have a supportive family
The 37-year-old actress has been accompanied by family and friends as she prepares for a hectic start to the new year.
Lively is living in the moment and looking forward to tackling challenges ahead amid the lawsuit and report that Justin Baldoni will launch a counter suit.
A source told People that Lively is feeling supported by her loved ones, including her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their four children.
"She feels very fortunate to be surrounded by the most loving family and supportive friends," the source said.
Ryan Reynolds doing everything to relieve Blake Lively's stress
The insider also noted that Ryan Reynolds has been actively helping to reduce her stress during this time.
"Ryan does everything he can on a daily basis to relieve her stress and to be supportive," the source added of Reynolds.
According to the source, Lively remains determined to move forward with her case.
"She still believes she's doing the right thing. She's ready to tackle whatever comes her way," the source shared.
The source further mentioned that Lively has been staying in contact with her legal team. She "knows she'll have an explosive start to the new year," the source added.
Blake Lively can get the right to sue or mediate a solution with the employer
Blake Lively's legal team is currently waiting for a decision from the California Civil Rights Department.
The department has 60 days to decide whether to investigate the case or issue a right-to-sue letter.
California attorney Gregory Doll, who is not involved in the case, provided insight into the process.
"If they find some barrier to it, a lot of times they’ll step in and try to mediate a solution with the employer," Gregory Doll told the publication.
He added, "If not, they’ll give her what’s called the right to sue letter, which means that she can go to court now and submit her claim there."
Lively initially filed the complaint on December 20, accusing Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of harassment and retaliation.
Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman responded on December 21, calling the claims "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt."
