A federal judge has dismissed most of Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni, stemming from their collaboration on the romantic drama *It Ends With Us*. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman delivered the verdict on Thursday in Manhattan after over a year of contentious legal battles surrounding the film.
Key Details of the Case
The judge ruled that the sexual harassment allegations lacked jurisdiction since Lively filed her lawsuit under California law, while the incidents occurred elsewhere. However, Judge Liman allowed Lively to pursue claims of retaliation against Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, as well as a contract and aiding and abetting claim against various parties.
- Judge: U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman
- Case filed: December 2024
- Trial date set: May 18, 2025
- Movie title: *It Ends With Us*
- Protagonists: Blake Lively (flower shop owner), Justin Baldoni (neurosurgeon)
- Worldwide gross: Over $351 million
Background and Reactions
Lively’s claims have captured significant attention in Hollywood, involving several public figures like singer Taylor Swift and actor Hugh Jackman, who may provide testimony. The actress alleges that Baldoni’s team fostered a hostile work environment and tried to prevent her from speaking out.
In retaliation, Baldoni argued that he had addressed Lively’s concerns promptly and maintained he was justified in hiring crisis management experts after Lively publicly criticized him.
Ongoing Legal Tensions
The legal drama escalated when Lively initially filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, followed by her lawsuit against Baldoni and others. Baldoni, in turn, filed a defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, claiming they sought to damage his reputation. Last June, Judge Liman dismissed Baldoni’s defamation case as well as his case against the *New York Times*, which reported on the ongoing dispute.
The legal battles continue to evolve, raising ongoing tensions in the industry and spotlighting issues of harassment and professional conduct. As the trial date approaches, further developments are expected in this high-profile case involving two influential figures in Hollywood.
