Judge Dismisses Key Parts of Blake Lively’s Harassment Suit Against Justin Baldoni
A federal judge on Thursday dismissed most claims in the lawsuit filed by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni. The ruling eliminated 10 of the 13 counts. Three claims were allowed to proceed toward trial.
Ruling details
Judge Lewis Liman issued the decision. He threw out allegations including harassment, defamation and conspiracy.
The judge permitted three counts to move forward. Those were breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation.
Legal grounds for dismissal
Liman found Lively could not bring a federal sexual harassment claim. He noted she worked as an independent contractor.
The judge also said California harassment law did not apply. Filming took place in New Jersey, the ruling stated.
Allegations made by Lively
Lively accused Baldoni of making unwelcome comments about her appearance and weight. She said the conduct occurred on set during production.
She also alleged Baldoni hired publicists to seed and amplify negative stories online. The court allowed two retaliation-related claims to go to a jury.
Defense and counterarguments
Baldoni and his legal team denied the worst allegations. They said Lively exaggerated misconduct to gain control of the production.
His lawyers characterized the on-set complaints as minor grievances. They added he had the right to defend himself from what he viewed as false claims.
Mediation, trial timing and industry fallout
The parties met with a magistrate judge in February for mediation. That session did not produce a settlement.
A trial is scheduled for May. The litigation has stretched for more than a year.
Box office and studio reaction
The film It Ends With Us grossed $350 million worldwide in 2024. Its release was clouded by persistent reports of a rift between the lead actors.
Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Entertainment film chair, described the situation in an August 2024 email as a disaster. He warned the controversy would shape public viewing of the film.
Third-party involvement
The dispute pulled in other high-profile names. Lawyers for Taylor Swift sought to keep her out of the matter.
Texts from fall 2024 between Swift and Lively appeared in court filings. In those messages, Swift used disparaging language about Baldoni, and Lively called him a “clown” and a “doofus director.”
The judge dismisses key claims in Lively’s harassment suit against Baldoni, but several claims remain. Both sides have more litigation ahead as the case heads to trial.
