Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: 10 Allegations Dismissed

Blake Lively Set for May Trial Against Justin Baldoni After Judge Dismisses Sexual Harassment Claims

The legal battle between It Ends With Us stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is narrowing in scope but remaining high-stakes as the pair prepare for a New York City trial scheduled to begin on May 18.

On April 2, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 claims filed in Lively’s lawsuit, including allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. The judge specifically tossed the sexual harassment claims against Baldoni and his Wayfarer executives, citing Lively’s status as an independent contractor on the Sony-distributed film and a lack of jurisdiction by invoking California laws.

Despite the significant reduction in the lawsuit’s scope, the case is still moving forward as a multi-million dollar action. Lively will proceed to trial on three remaining claims: retaliation, aiding and abetting in retaliation, and breach of contract. The core of the remaining legal fight now centers on an alleged online smear campaign.

Taking to Instagram on April 3, Lively vowed to continue her fight against what she described as “digital violence.” In her statement, the actress emphasized that the heart of her case will be presented to a jury next month.

“The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others,” Lively wrote. “I hope the Court’s decision shows others that, as unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up.”

Lively further urged her followers not to view the legal proceedings as mere “celebrity drama,” arguing that such framing is intended to obscure the reality of her experience. “The physical pain from digital violence is very real,” she added. “It is abuse. And it’s everywhere.”

Lively has found strong backing from her agency, WME, which previously represented Baldoni before dropping him hours after the sexual harassment accusations surfaced. In a statement released on April 3, WME threw its full weight behind the actress.

“In an industry that too often asks women to absorb the damage and stay quiet, Blake Lively chose to stand up for herself, her castmates, and those without the ability to fight back,” the agency stated. “She has met this moment with courage, moral clarity, and extraordinary determination.”

The upcoming trial is expected to pit two conflicting narratives against one another. One version depicts an A-list actress, supported by high-profile figures including husband Ryan Reynolds and friend Taylor Swift, attempting to seize control of a director’s passion project. The opposing narrative describes a filmmaker supported by a billionaire and a network of public relations professionals who allegedly schemed to damage Lively’s career.

While many claims were dismissed, Judge Liman noted that some of the public relations maneuvering employed by Baldoni’s camp following the allegations could be problematic, writing that “certain conduct at least arguably crossed the line.”

As the industry watches this high-profile clash, the May 18 trial will determine the legal fallout of the dispute over the production of the film, highlighting the growing intersection of celebrity influence and digital reputation management.

Lively remains represented by her WME team, including Michael DeVeau, Warren Zavala, and Elyse Scherz, as she prepares to testify and fight for her claims of retaliation.