Blake Lively’s Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni Narrowed Ahead of Trial
A federal judge has significantly narrowed Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, dismissing ten of the thirteen claims she brought against the actor and others involved in the film “It Ends With Us.” However, a trial is still scheduled to proceed on three key allegations, including retaliation and breach of contract. The case, which has drawn attention to issues of workplace conduct and alleged online smear campaigns in Hollywood, is slated to initiate May 18.
Judge Lewis J. Liman issued the ruling on Thursday, April 2, 2026, granting—and in part denying—Baldoni and his codefendants’ motion for summary judgment. The judge determined that Lively, as an independent contractor, was not entitled to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This decision comes after Lively initially filed a complaint in California in 2024, later moving the lawsuit to Modern York federal court.
The lawsuit alleges inappropriate workplace behavior from Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, along with a retaliatory “social manipulation” smear campaign against Lively after she raised concerns. While claims of sexual harassment and defamation were dismissed, the judge allowed claims of breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation to move forward. Remaining claims also pertain to It Ends With Us Movie LLC, Wayfarer Studios, and The Agency Group PR LLC, which Lively accused of orchestrating a negative online campaign.
“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,” Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, said in a statement. Lively looks forward to testifying at trial and “shining a light on this vicious form of online retaliation.”
The judge noted that evidence suggests Baldoni’s production company may have planned to not only damage Lively’s reputation but to potentially destroy her career, fearing she would file a discrimination claim. Lawyers for Baldoni have not yet commented on the ruling. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for how allegations of retaliation and workplace safety are handled in the film industry, a topic of increasing discussion in recent years.
Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios previously filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion, but those claims were dismissed last June. USA Today reports a virtual court hearing took place on the evening of April 2.
