A New York judge has dismissed most of Blake Lively’s harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, related to their film “It Ends With Us.” The ruling, issued by Judge Lewis Liman, eliminated 10 out of the 13 claims presented by Lively, including sexual harassment and defamation charges. However, three claims, including breach of contract and retaliation, have been allowed to proceed to trial.
Details of the Dismissal
Judge Liman’s decision centered on the nature of Lively’s employment status. He ruled she could not assert a sexual harassment claim under federal law because she was an independent contractor. Additionally, the filming location in New Jersey negated her ability to bring a claim under California law.
Lively accused Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film, of making inappropriate remarks regarding her appearance. She claimed this behavior constituted sexual harassment. In her lawsuit, she also alleged that Baldoni retaliated against her through negative media coverage.
Claims Proceeding to Trial
- Breach of contract
- Retaliation
- Aiding and abetting in retaliation
Despite the dismissal of most of Lively’s claims, Judge Liman acknowledged that two retaliation claims were substantial enough to be heard by a jury.
Background on “It Ends With Us”
The 2024 film “It Ends With Us,” which grossed approximately $350 million worldwide, has been marred by ongoing litigation between Lively and Baldoni. Reports describe a significant rift between the lead actors, fueling public speculation and concern.
Industry Reactions
Tom Rothman, chair of Sony Pictures Entertainment, expressed frustration over the situation in a private email, noting that the controversy overshadowed the film itself. He highlighted the challenges the film faced due to the surrounding drama.
Upcoming Developments
A trial is currently scheduled for May 2025. Mediation efforts have previously taken place without producing a resolution. The case has drawn attention from various high-profile figures, including Taylor Swift, who has become indirectly involved.
In one text exchange, Swift referred to Baldoni in a dismissive tone, while Lively shared her own critical opinions about the director. This ongoing conflict continues to attract media scrutiny and speculation in the entertainment industry.
