Judge Dismisses Blake Lively’s Sexual Harassment Claims Against Justin Baldoni; Retaliation Suit Proceeds
A federal judge in New York has dismissed sexual harassment claims brought by actress Blake Lively against actor and director Justin Baldoni, though several other allegations, including retaliation, will move forward to trial. The ruling, issued on April 9, 2026, follows a legal battle stemming from the production of the film “It Ends With Us.”
In a 152-page decision, Judge Lewis J. Liman determined that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee. The court ruled she is ineligible to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a law designed to prohibit employment discrimination. This legal distinction underscores the ongoing complexities regarding worker protections and employment status within the global entertainment industry.
Despite the dismissal of the harassment claims, Judge Liman left three claims intact, including retaliation. The judge noted that evidence may allow a jury to conclude that Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, intended to damage Lively’s reputation and destroy her career to prevent her from filing a discrimination claim. Lively has alleged that a subsequent smear campaign has been “devastating for her reputation and career.”
The court’s analysis of the harassment allegations included specific claims that during filming, Baldoni rubbed his face and mouth against Lively’s neck, kissed her forehead, flicked her lower lip with his thumb and told her she “smells good.” Although Judge Liman acknowledged that such conduct would support a hostile work environment claim in a traditional office or factory setting, he noted that Baldoni was “acting in the scene.”
The legal dispute began in December 2024 when Lively, who served as both a star and producer on the film, sued Baldoni and other parties. Baldoni has consistently denied the harassment allegations.
This case also involved a significant countersuit from Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, who sought $400 million from Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging extortion and defamation. However, that countersuit was dismissed by the judge in June 2025.
The proceedings are set to continue with a trial scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026. Following the ruling, legal representatives held a phone conference to discuss the upcoming jury selection process.
For more on the developments of this case, see reports from VG, Dagbladet, and TV2.no.
