Actor Blake Lively has faced a significant legal setback after a US court dismissed most of her claims in a high-profile lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Lewis Liman in the Southern District of New York, struck down 10 of the 13 claims filed by Lively. These included allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy.
Key Court Ruling
The court allowed three claims to proceed to trial:
- Breach of contract
- Retaliation
- Aiding and abetting retaliation
The case is now set to move forward in a civil trial scheduled for May 18 in New York.
Judge Liman ruled that Lively could not pursue sexual harassment claims under federal law because she was classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee. Additionally, the court found that California law did not apply, as filming for the project took place in New Jersey.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle began in 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of inappropriate conduct on the set of It Ends With Us. She alleged that he made remarks about her appearance and weight and engaged in behaviour that created an uncomfortable work environment.
Lively also claimed that Baldoni and his associates orchestrated a coordinated effort to damage her reputation through negative media coverage and online narratives.
Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a counterclaim, maintaining that the accusations were exaggerated and related to minor disagreements during production.
Legal Arguments and Responses
Attorneys representing Baldoni and his production company welcomed the court’s decision, stating that the dismissal of the harassment-related claims marked an important step in clarifying the case.
They emphasised that the remaining claims are limited in scope and expressed confidence in presenting their defence during the trial.
On the other hand, Lively’s legal team highlighted that the core issue of alleged retaliation remains active. They stated that the upcoming trial will focus on whether there was a deliberate attempt to undermine her professional reputation.
What Happens Next
With the case now significantly narrowed, the focus shifts to the upcoming trial. The court will examine evidence related to contractual obligations and alleged retaliatory actions.
The outcome could have broader implications for workplace conduct disputes in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning independent contractors and on-set dynamics.
