Judge Dismisses Most of Blake Lively Claims in Harassment Suit Against Baldoni

A federal court ruled Thursday that Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni has seen 10 out of 13 allegations dismissed. Judge Lewis Liman determined that the majority of the claims, including accusations of harassment and defamation, lack sufficient foundation. The decision comes just weeks before the pair face trial in New York, where Lively has been seeking accountability for alleged misconduct on the set of their 2024 film It Ends with Us.

The legal dispute centers on interactions during production of the movie, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. Lively portrays Lily Bloom, a character who experiences domestic abuse in her personal life and professional setting. Her lawsuit, filed in 2024, alleges Baldoni subjected her to sexual harassment and orchestrated a smear campaign to damage her reputation, which he denies.

Baldoni’s legal team maintains the accusations are “categorically false,” citing their efforts to hire a crisis public relations manager to counter Lively’s threats to derail the film. Meanwhile, Lively’s attorneys claim Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, executed a “multi-tiered plan” to undermine her credibility. This included social media strategies and leveraging journalists to shape public perception, as detailed in a New York Times article prior to the lawsuit.

Last year, a judge had previously rejected Baldoni’s $400 million counterclaim against Lively, which included charges of civil extortion, defamation, and privacy violations. The current ruling leaves three claims intact—retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation—setting the stage for the upcoming trial. Both sides continue to present conflicting narratives, with Lively’s case focusing on workplace dynamics and Baldoni’s defense emphasizing the falsity of the allegations.

Background of the Legal Battle

Following the release of It Ends with Us, the co-stars found themselves embroiled in a contentious dispute. Lively’s lawsuit, filed in December 2024, alleges Baldoni harassed her on set and retaliated against her for reporting the behavior. The case highlights the tensions between personal and professional relationships in Hollywood, with each party accusing the other of undermining their career.

Baldoni’s team argued that Lively’s demands threatened the film’s success, prompting them to take proactive measures in managing the public image. In contrast, Lively’s legal team asserts that the harassment and retaliation were systemic, part of a broader effort to silence her. The trial is expected to reveal more about the events that sparked this high-profile conflict.