A US judge has significantly scaled back Blake Lively’s lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, dismissing most of her allegations, including her sexual harassment claims.
In a ruling issued Thursday, Judge Lewis Liman struck down 10 of the 13 claims brought by Lively. Among those dismissed were accusations of harassment, defamation and conspiracy. However, three claims, breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation, will proceed to trial.
The dispute stems from the production of It Ends With Us, a domestic violence drama that went on to gross $350 million worldwide. Lively had alleged that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behaviour on set, including making unwelcome remarks about her appearance and weight.
In his decision, Liman noted that Lively could not pursue a federal sexual harassment claim because she worked as an independent contractor. He also ruled that California law did not apply, as filming took place in New Jersey.
A central part of Lively’s case, her claim that Baldoni orchestrated a coordinated online smear campaign, remains alive. The judge determined that two retaliation-related claims should be decided by a jury.
Responding to the ruling, attorneys Alexandria Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, representing Baldoni, his production banner Wayfarer Studios, and associated publicists, said, "We're very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants. 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. What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defence to the remaining claims in court.”
Lively’s legal team, however, emphasised that the case is far from over. Attorney Sigrid McCawley 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.” She added that Lively “looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.”
Baldoni’s side has consistently denied wrongdoing, arguing that Lively exaggerated claims of misconduct to gain greater control over the film and portray him negatively. His legal team characterised her complaints about on-set behaviour as “minor grievances" while asserting his right to defend himself against what he views as false accusations.
The legal battle has also drawn in high-profile figures, including Taylor Swift, whose lawyers have attempted to keep her out of the dispute. Messages cited in the case show Swift criticising Baldoni, while Lively herself referred to him in texts as a “clown” and a “doofus director".
With a trial scheduled for May, the case continues to unfold after a failed mediation attempt earlier this year.
