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Blake Lively‘s landmark lawsuit took a devastating hit today. A federal judge dismissed 10 of 13 claims in her sexual harassment case against Justin Baldoni. Only three claims survive for trial, scheduled for May 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Judge Lewis Liman dismissed most harassment claims in a Manhattan federal court ruling Thursday
- Filed December 2024: Lively sued Baldoni over on-set conduct during “It Ends With Us” production
- Claims surviving: Breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation remain active
- Trial date: May 18 trial scheduled to proceed with remaining three claims against the actorco-director
Judge Dismisses Harassment Claims on Jurisdictional Grounds
Federal Judge Lewis Liman ruled Thursday that Blake Lively could not proceed with sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni based on jurisdictional technicalities. Liman found that Lively, an independent contractor, didn’tqualify under federal labor harassment law. He also noted that filming took place in New Jersey, not California, eliminating state harassment claims despite her suing under California law.
The decision gutted Lively‘s headline-grabbing lawsuit that captured Hollywood’s attention since December 2024. Ten of thirteen claims fell, including harassment, defamation, and conspiracy allegations. However, the judge allowed three critical claims to advance to trial: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting charges.
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The Core Allegations About On-Set Conduct
Blake Lively accused her “It Ends With Us” co-star of creating a sexually charged atmosphere during filming. She claimed Baldoni made unwelcome comments about her appearance and weight while directing the domestic violence drama. Beyond on-set behavior, Lively alleged that Baldoni orchestrated a sophisticated public relations campaign to retaliate against her and silence critics through coordinated negative media coverage online.
Baldoni‘s defense team countered that any concerns Lively raised were addressed immediately. They characterized her allegations as “minor grievances” inflated to gain creative control. Baldoni‘s lawyers argued he had every right to hire crisis management firms to defend himself against what they termed false allegations designed to cast him as a villain.
Litigation Timeline and Remaining Claims
| Event | Date |
| Lively filed lawsuit against Baldoni | December 31, 2024 |
| Judge ruled on motion to dismiss | April 2, 2026 |
| Mediation session failed | February 2026 |
| Trial date set for remaining claims | May 18, 2026 |
“It Ends With Us” starred Lively as a flower shop owner who marries a neurosurgeon played by Baldoni. His character becomes abusive, reminding Lively’s character of her parents’ relationship, and the marriage falls apart after Lively’s character reconnects with her first love.
— Film description, Reuters reporting
Hollywood’s High-Profile Involvement in the Dispute
The “It Ends With Us” controversy extended far beyond the two leads. Taylor Swift appeared in undisclosed text messages, with her lawyers fighting to keep her name out of the litigation. In one message, Swift called Baldoni disparagingly and referenced him working damage control. Model Gigi Hadid, actor Hugh Jackman, and other entertainment figures were potentially relevant witnesses, drawn into what became a visceral Hollywood feud that overshadowed the film itself.
The $350 million worldwide box office hit became defined by the conflict off-screen. Sony Pictures chair Tom Rothman summed up the damage in an August 2024 email, writing the “mess is the story now” and that it would permanently taint how audiences viewed the film regardless of who bore responsibility.
What Happens Next and Why This Legal Setback Matters
While Blake Lively lost most claims, three remain viable for a May 2026 trial before a jury. These focus on breach of contract, retaliation tactics, and whether other defendants aided in retaliation against her. The remaining battles center on her PR allegations rather than sexual harassment itself. Lively and Baldoni attempted mediation in February 2026 with minimal progress, making a trial likely the resolution path forward.
The dismissal represents a major victory for Baldoni but signals that some claims have sufficient legal merit to continue. The controversy has redefined discussions around workplace conduct on film sets, the power of crisis management, and how disputes between leading talent can destroy even lucrative box office phenomena. The May trial will determine whether Lively‘s retaliation and contract claims hold up under scrutiny.
Sources
- Reuters – Federal judge Lewis Liman’s dismissal ruling on Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni
- Variety – Analysis of 10 of 13 claims thrown out, remaining three claims for trial, and Hollywood context
- People.com – Coverage of judge’s decision and legal implications for case proceeding
