Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: Court axes sexual harassment claims, retaliation trial still on

The legal battle tied to It Ends with Us has entered a new phase. While recent reports suggest a win for Justin Baldoni, the dispute with co-star Blake Lively is far from resolved. Instead, a federal court decision has trimmed the case, setting the stage for a more focused, and potentially turbulent, trial in May.

In Manhattan, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed the majority of Lively’s claims, significantly narrowing the lawsuit. Ten out of thirteen allegations, including sexual harassment and defamation claims, were struck down, according to Associated Press.

However, the case is not over. Three key claims, breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation, remain intact and will be examined by a jury on May 18.

The dismissal of the sexual harassment claims hinged on a legal technicality rather than a factual ruling. The court determined that Lively was working as an independent contractor, not an employee, which means she cannot pursue claims under Title VII protections.

The ruling also sheds light on the blurred boundaries actors often navigate on set. Lively had alleged that Baldoni’s behaviour during romantic scenes, including unscripted physical moments and personal remarks, created an uncomfortable working environment.

Judge Liman acknowledged the complexity of such situations, noting that film performances, particularly in romantic narratives, require a degree of creative flexibility. In this context, he concluded that the conduct in question was aimed at Lively’s character, Lily Bloom, rather than Lively herself.

Still, not all details were brushed aside. One specific incident, in which Baldoni allegedly asked Lively to remove her jacket to reveal a bra, described the look as “pretty hot,” and later joked about lacking harassment training, may resurface in court as part of the retaliation claims.

Lively’s legal team, led by Sigrid McCawley, continues to push back strongly. They argue that the core of the dispute lies not in on-set conduct alone, but in what followed.

According to the complaint, Baldoni and his studio, Wayfarer Studios, allegedly engaged in a calculated effort to damage Lively’s public image. The claim points to a coordinated smear campaign involving social media tactics and media influence aimed at undermining her credibility ahead of the film’s release.

Baldoni’s own $400 million countersuit, which accused Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds of extortion has already been dismissed, further tightening the scope of what will be argued in court.

With the latest ruling in place, attention now shifts to the courtroom in New York. Lively is expected to testify, offering her account of the alleged retaliation and its impact on her career.

Ultimately, the jury will be tasked with determining whether the studio took extraordinary measures to harm her professional standing after she raised concerns.