- Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni had 10 of 13 claims dismissed by a US court
- Three claims—breach of contract, retaliation, aiding retaliation—will proceed to trial May 18
- Sexual harassment claims were dismissed due to Lively's independent contractor status and filming location
Actor Blake Lively's legal dispute with her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni has taken a significant turn, with a US court dismissing most of the claims she had filed in the case.
Court Dismisses Majority Of Claims
In a ruling issued on Thursday, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 out of the 13 claims brought by Blake Lively, including allegations of sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy.
However, the court allowed three claims to move forward - breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation. These claims are now set to be examined in a civil trial in New York scheduled for May 18.
Why Harassment Claims Were Dismissed
The judge ruled that Blake Lively could not pursue a sexual harassment claim under federal law as she was working as an independent contractor.
He also stated that a harassment claim under California law was not applicable since filming took place in New Jersey.
The lawsuit, filed in 2024, accused Justin Baldoni of inappropriate behaviour on set, including comments about Lively's appearance and weight. The actress had also alleged that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her.
Defence Calls Ruling A "Significantly Narrowed Case"
Responding to the court's decision, attorneys Alexandria Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, representing Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and associated publicists, said, "We're very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants."
They added, "These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the court for its careful review of the facts, law, and voluminous evidence that was provided. What's left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court."
Blake Lively's Team Focuses On Retaliation Claims
A member of Lively's legal team, Sigrid McCawley, said the case will now centre on alleged retaliation.
"This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively's reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial," she said.
"She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight."
Background
The case stems from events during the making of It Ends With Us, where Blake Lively plays the lead role of Lily Bloom.
The film follows a young woman navigating an abusive relationship, echoing trauma from her childhood.
Lively's legal team has alleged that Baldoni and his production banner, Wayfarer Studios, attempted to damage her reputation through coordinated media narratives and social media activity.
Some of these allegations were outlined in a New York Times report published before the lawsuit was filed.
Baldoni and his legal team have denied the accusations, arguing that the claims were exaggerated and amounted to "minor grievances".
They also alleged that Lively sought to take control of the film and portray Baldoni negatively.
No Settlement Yet
The two parties attended a mediation session earlier this year, but no resolution was reached. With key claims now moving ahead, the case is set to continue in court.
