Home / Arts and Entertainment / Survivor Law Author Criticizes Lively's Legal Tactic
Survivor Law Author Criticizes Lively's Legal Tactic
3 Jun
Summary
- Law's author says Blake Lively's legal strategy is outside original intent.
- The law was meant to protect sexual assault survivors, not block court access.
- It was designed to balance survivor protection with defamation claims.
Victoria Burke, who authored California's survivor-protection legislation, has voiced concerns regarding Blake Lively's legal approach in her conflict with Justin Baldoni. Burke stated that Lively's application of the law deviates from its intended purpose.
Burke explained that the legislation was specifically created to safeguard individuals who come forward with allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination. It was not designed to restrict access to legal recourse for those claiming to be falsely accused.
She highlighted that the bill underwent refinement with input from advocacy groups and the ACLU to achieve a balance. Burke pointed to the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case as an instance where a defamation claim could have still been valid under the law's provisions.
Burke expressed surprise at the current use of the legislation in the Lively-Baldoni legal dispute, feeling its original intent is being diluted. Her criticism adds a significant perspective, coming directly from the law's originator.
