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Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni heads to trial in May with just three claims remaining after a major judicial setback. A federal judge dismissed ten of thirteen allegations on April 2, 2026, but retaliation charges survived. The 38-year-old actress seeks over $160 million in damages as the high-profile legal battle escalates toward trial.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Judge Dismissal: Federal Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of 13 counts on April 2, 2026
- Remaining Claims: Retaliation, breach of contract, and aiding and abetting retaliation
- Trial Date: May 18, 2026 in New York federal court
- Damages Sought: Over $160 million in compensation and damages
Major Blow to Sexual Harassment Claims
Judge Lewis J. Liman delivered a significant setback to Lively’s case when he tossed her sexual harassment allegations on April 2. The judge ruled that Lively was an independent contractor, not a traditional employee, making her ineligible for protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This reasoning eliminated the legal foundation for her sexual harassment claims entirely.
The judge acknowledged the conduct Lively described. Court documents revealed allegations that Baldoni leaned in to kiss her, kissed her forehead, rubbed his mouth against her neck, and touched her lip without consent. However, Liman noted that Baldoni was improvising as the character Ryle during filming of the romantic drama. The judge determined that creative professionals need “space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script” without fear of harassment liability.
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What Survives for May Trial
Despite the dismissal of sexual harassment claims, three major allegations remain viable for the jury trial. Lively’s retaliation claim stands as the cornerstone of her remaining case, alleging that Baldoni and his associates orchestrated a smear campaign against her after she complained about his behavior.
The actress also maintains claims for breach of contract and aiding and abetting retaliation against the defendants. These allegations center on Lively’s assertion that she faced professional retaliation and damage to her reputation after privately seeking a safe working environment on the set of “It Ends With Us.”
Ryan Reynolds Shows Rare Public Support
On April 19, Ryan Reynolds made an unusually candid public statement about his wife’s legal ordeal, telling NBC’s Today show that he has “never been more proud” of Lively. The Deadpool star praised her “level of integrity” while warning that “people have no idea what’s really going on” behind the scenes.
| Key Detail | Information |
| Plaintiff | Blake Lively, 38 |
| Defendant | Justin Baldoni, age 42 |
| Film | It Ends With Us (August 2024) |
| Trial Commencement | May 18, 2026 |
| Venue | U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York |
Reynolds confirmed that he witnessed his wife “fighting daily to stand up against sexual harassment in a private and respectful way,” according to statements from his representative. The actor, known for his comedic take on serious issues, emphasized his unwavering support during this challenging period for his family.
The Baldoni Countersuit That Failed
Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and Reynolds in January 2025, accusing them of defamation, civil extortion, and interference with business relations. However, this counterattack was completely dismantled when a judge granted a motion to dismiss it in June 2025. The court ruled that Baldoni failed to establish sufficient allegations of defamation or civil extortion, dealing him a decisive legal loss.
Baldoni’s legal team has denied all allegations of sexual harassment and claimed the entire case stems from Lively’s dissatisfaction with marketing decisions for “It Ends With Us.” The director maintains that no misconduct occurred and that Lively orchestrated a smear campaign against him instead. His attorneys have emphasized that they will present evidence at trial to refute her claims about retaliation.
What Should Viewers Expect at Trial Next Month?
The trial beginning May 18 will focus exclusively on whether Baldoni and his associates engaged in retaliation against Lively after she voiced workplace concerns. Both Lively and Baldoni are expected to testify, along with Ryan Reynolds, who appears on the witness list. The jury will determine whether the remaining claims have merit and what compensation, if any, Lively deserves.
This case has already captured Hollywood’s attention and raised important questions about power dynamics in film production. The verdict could set precedent for how creative professionals address workplace misconduct allegations in entertainment.
“People have no idea what’s really going on. I’ve never been more proud of someone in my life, with that level of integrity that they bring with them in everything they do.”
— Ryan Reynolds, on Blake Lively’s handling of legal battle (April 19, 2026)
Sources
- E! News – Comprehensive coverage of Ryan Reynolds’ April 19 comments and trial preparations
- PBS News – Federal Judge Lewis J. Liman’s April 2, 2026 ruling on claim dismissals
- People Magazine – Details on Lively’s damages request and ongoing legal developments
