A federal judge in New York has dismissed most of Blake Lively’s claims in her harassment lawsuit against co-star Justin Baldoni, leaving only a few allegations to proceed to trial. The ruling marks a significant setback for Lively as the case heads toward jury selection in May.
The decision, issued by Judge Lewis Liman, threw out 10 of the 13 claims Lively filed, including sexual harassment and defamation. The judge ruled that Lively could not pursue harassment claims under federal law because she was classified as an independent contractor, and state law did not apply since filming took place outside California. Three claims, including retaliation, remain active.
Lively filed the lawsuit in 2024, alleging Baldoni harassed her and attempted to damage her reputation during and after the filming of It Ends With Us. Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film alongside Lively, has denied all allegations. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the film’s themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse, which mirror the accusations at the center of the dispute.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of Baldoni view the dismissal as a vindication, while Lively’s advocates argue that the surviving claims still highlight serious concerns about workplace retaliation in the entertainment industry. Legal analysts note that the judge’s opinion, spanning more than 150 pages, underscores the complexity of applying harassment laws to actors working under short-term contracts.
Internationally, the case has fueled conversations about power dynamics in film production and the challenges performers face when raising misconduct claims. Social media commentary reflects both disappointment and cautious optimism, with some users emphasizing that the remaining claims could still bring accountability.
The trial is scheduled to begin May 18 in Manhattan federal court. Jury selection will determine how much of Lively’s allegations are heard, ensuring that despite the dismissals, the dispute between two high-profile actors remains far from resolved.
