A federal judge in New York has dismissed the majority of claims brought by actress Blake Lively in her high-profile sexual harassment and defamation lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The ruling significantly narrows the scope of a legal battle that has captivated Hollywood since the production of the Colleen Hoover film adaptation.
In a detailed 152-page opinion delivered on Thursday, Judge Lewis Liman threw out 10 of the 13 allegations filed by Lively’s legal team. Among the dismissed claims were central accusations of sexual harassment and defamation. However, the judge allowed three specific claims—breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation—to proceed to a civil trial scheduled for May 18 in New York.
The litigation originated in late 2024 following allegations by Lively that Baldoni engaged in harassment and a coordinated smear campaign during the filming of the domestic abuse drama. Baldoni has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the dispute stemmed from creative differences and professional disagreements.
Judge Liman cited several legal hurdles for the dismissal, particularly regarding jurisdiction and employment status. He noted that harassment claims brought under California law were inapplicable because the alleged misconduct occurred during filming in New Jersey. Furthermore, the court ruled that Lively was ineligible for certain harassment protections because she operated as an independent contractor rather than a direct employee.
Regarding the defamation claims against Baldoni and his attorney, Bryan Freedman, the judge ruled that statements made in response to the litigation were not actionable. “The Wayfarer Parties were entitled to engage public relations and crisis management specialists to protect their reputations,” Liman wrote, though he conceded that some conduct regarding retaliation “arguably crossed the line,” warranting a trial.
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Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively’s legal team, stated that the case remains focused on what she described as “devastating retaliation” intended to destroy the actress’s reputation. McCawley clarified that the sexual harassment claims were not dismissed based on a lack of merit, but rather on “technicalities” regarding where the events took place.
The legal saga has been marked by intense counter-litigation. Last year, Judge Liman dismissed a $400 million counter-lawsuit filed by Baldoni against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, which had alleged civil extortion and defamation. The judge characterized Lively’s alleged actions during the film’s promotion as “legally permissible hard bargaining” rather than wrongful extortion.
The upcoming trial is expected to feature testimony from Lively herself. Evidence reportedly includes communication between Lively and singer Taylor Swift regarding the working environment on set. As the May trial date approaches, the proceedings are expected to shed further light on the burgeoning use of social media manipulation and crisis management in modern entertainment industry disputes.
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Baldoni’s legal representatives have been contacted for further comment following the latest ruling. For now, the focus shifts to the remaining retaliation claims as both parties prepare for a jury trial next month.
