Blake Lively Claims Against Justin Baldoni Narrowed, Trial Moves Forward/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A federal judge dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni. However, retaliation and contract claims remain and will go to trial. The case stems from alleged conduct during filming of It Ends With Us.
Blake Lively Justin Baldoni Lawsuit Quick Looks
- Judge dismissed sexual harassment claims
- Retaliation claims remain for trial
- Trial scheduled for May 18
- Case stems from It Ends With Us filming
- Judge ruled Lively was independent contractor
- Baldoni countersuit previously dismissed
- Allegations include smear campaign retaliation
- Case may still present harassment evidence to jury
Deep Look: Blake Lively Claims Against Justin Baldoni Narrowed But Trial Continues
A federal judge has dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against actor and director Justin Baldoni but allowed several key allegations to proceed, setting the stage for a high-profile trial later this year.
The ruling, issued Thursday by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman in Manhattan, narrows the legal dispute but keeps alive three claims — including retaliation — that could still allow a jury to hear many of the accusations. The case stems from Lively’s December 2024 lawsuit involving her work on the film It Ends With Us. A trial is currently scheduled for May 18.
Judge Dismisses Sexual Harassment Claims
Judge Liman dismissed Lively’s sexual harassment claims after determining she functioned as an independent contractor rather than an employee during the film’s production. Under federal law, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protections against workplace harassment apply primarily to employees.
Because of this classification, the judge ruled that Lively could not pursue sexual harassment claims under that statute.
However, the decision does not end the dispute. Liman ruled that other claims — including retaliation and breach of contract — remain valid and could still allow the jury to consider much of the alleged conduct.
Retaliation Claims Remain
The judge noted that evidence could allow a jury to conclude that Baldoni’s production company may have engaged in a campaign to damage Lively’s reputation.
According to the ruling, Lively alleges the defendants sought to harm her career after concerns emerged that she might file discrimination complaints. The judge acknowledged that the alleged retaliation could be considered significant enough to proceed to trial.
Lively claims that the alleged smear campaign has been “devastating for her reputation and career,” according to the court’s written decision.
Allegations During Filming
The ruling outlined several incidents Lively cited during filming of It Ends With Us. These included claims that Baldoni:
- Leaned in as if to kiss her
- Kissed her forehead
- Rubbed his face against her neck
- Flicked her lower lip with his thumb
- Commented on how she smelled
- Caressed her during scenes
Judge Liman acknowledged that such behavior could support a hostile work environment claim in other workplace settings.
However, the judge emphasized that the alleged conduct occurred within the context of filming scenes for a movie. He concluded that the behavior was not necessarily outside what might reasonably occur during performance of scripted romantic scenes.
The judge also noted that creative professionals require flexibility when filming scenes that involve physical interaction between characters.
“Creative artists… must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script,” the judge wrote.
Additional Allegations Still Relevant
Despite dismissing the harassment claims, the judge indicated some allegations could still be introduced to support retaliation claims.
The ruling referenced an incident where Baldoni allegedly described Lively as “pretty hot” after asking her to remove a jacket revealing a lace bra. When told the comment was inappropriate, he allegedly responded: “Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training.”
The judge also cited a disputed birth scene in which Baldoni allegedly pushed for Lively to perform naked. The filming reportedly lasted several hours without restricting access to essential personnel only.
These allegations may be presented during the upcoming trial as part of the retaliation claims.
Legal Battle Between Both Sides
Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, previously filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. However, that countersuit was dismissed by the court last year.
Attorneys for both sides responded following the ruling.
Lively’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, said the actress looks forward to presenting her case at trial and exposing what she described as retaliation.
“This case has always been focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation,” McCawley said.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman welcomed the dismissal of the harassment claims.
“The defendants are very good people who have not engaged in this sexual harassment as alleged,” Freedman said, adding that the ruling confirmed their legal position.
Film Background and Career Context
It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel, premiered in August 2024. The film, which explores domestic violence within a romantic storyline, exceeded expectations with a $50 million opening weekend.
Despite its commercial success, speculation surrounding tensions between Lively and Baldoni overshadowed the film’s release.
Blake Lively gained prominence through roles in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and the television series Gossip Girl. She later starred in films including The Town and The Shallows.
Justin Baldoni is best known for his role in the television series Jane the Virgin. He also directed Five Feet Apart and authored Man Enough, a book exploring modern masculinity.
Trial Ahead
With key claims still active, the case now moves toward trial, where jurors may ultimately determine whether retaliation occurred and whether damages are warranted.
The outcome could have broader implications for workplace standards in film production, particularly regarding independent contractors and creative performance boundaries.
The trial is expected to draw significant attention as both sides prepare to present evidence and testimony in what remains a closely watched Hollywood legal battle.
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