Blake Lively Harassment Lawsuit: Judge Dismisses Most Claims Against Justin Baldoni

Most of the claims in actress Blake Lively’s sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against actor and director Justin Baldoni have been dismissed by a federal judge, significantly narrowing the scope of the case as it heads toward trial. The ruling, handed down on Thursday by Judge Lewis Liman in New York, dismissed ten of the thirteen legal claims Lively brought against Baldoni and others connected to the film “It Ends With Us.”

The lawsuit, originally filed in California in 2024 and later moved to New York federal court, alleged inappropriate workplace behavior and a subsequent retaliatory “social manipulation” smear campaign. Judge Liman allowed three claims – breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation – against Baldoni to proceed to trial, scheduled for May 18.

Claims Dismissed, Trial to Focus on Retaliation

According to reporting from USA Today and the BBC, the dismissed claims included those related to sexual harassment and defamation. The sexual harassment claims were dismissed due to a jurisdictional issue, as the alleged misconduct did not occur in California, where Lively initially filed the suit.

Remaining claims that will continue through the legal process involve It Ends With Us Movie LLC (breach of agreement and retaliation), Wayfarer Studios (retaliation), and The Agency Group PR LLC (aiding in retaliation). Lively accused The Agency Group PR LLC of orchestrating an online campaign designed to portray her negatively.

“The case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy” the actress’ reputation.

Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively’s legal team, told the BBC’s US partner CBS

McCawley also clarified that the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims was based on a technicality, not a finding of innocence. Lively intends to testify at the trial and “continue to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation,” McCawley stated.

Background of the Dispute

The legal battle stems from interactions between Lively and Baldoni during the production of “It Ends With Us,” a film adaptation of the popular Colleen Hoover novel. Lively plays the lead role of Lily Bloom, a woman grappling with the legacy of domestic abuse. The film, released in August 2024, was a box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide.

In 2024, Lively initially filed a complaint in California, alleging a hostile work environment and subsequent retaliation. The case was later transferred to the Southern District of New York. Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a countersuit, which was dismissed by a judge last year. That countersuit alleged civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.

Judge Liman’s 152-page opinion and order, issued on Thursday, granted in part and denied in part Baldoni and his codefendants’ motion for summary judgment, paving the way for the upcoming trial. A virtual court hearing was held on the evening of April 2 to discuss the ruling.

The case has drawn significant attention within the entertainment industry, raising questions about workplace conduct and the potential for retaliation against actors who speak out about alleged misconduct. The trial in May is expected to be contentious, with both sides prepared to present their cases to a jury.