Blake Lively sexual harassment claims dismissed against Justin Baldoni before trial

Blake Lively’s sexual harassment and defamation claims against Justin Baldoni dismissed, with three claims remaining

A United States federal judge has dismissed the majority of Blake Lively’s claims against Justin Baldoni, approximately one month before the case was scheduled to go to trial. The ruling removes 10 of the 13 claims originally filed, including allegations of sexual harassment and defamation.

The case stems from Lively’s civil complaint related to the production of the film It Ends With Us. In her filing, she alleged that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behaviour on set and later coordinated a campaign to damage her reputation after she raised concerns. Baldoni denied the allegations in court filings.

District Judge Lewis Liman issued the decision on Thursday, citing legal grounds including Lively’s classification as an independent contractor rather than an employee.

Following the ruling, three claims remain active in the case: retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract. Baldoni is not named as a defendant in the remaining claims, although one claim continues against his production company, Wayfarer.

Representatives for Wayfarer said they were “very pleased” with the outcome, stating: “These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.”

The statement added that the case is now “significantly narrowed” and that they are prepared to address the remaining claims.

Lively’s legal team maintained that the case would proceed with a focus on retaliation. Her attorney said, “This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set, and that is the case that is going to trial.”

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 18, with proceedings continuing on the remaining claims.