Key moments
In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle, a federal judge has dismissed the majority of Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni. The ruling, delivered on April 2, 2026, saw 10 out of the 13 claims in Lively’s lawsuit thrown out, leaving only three claims related to retaliation, breach of contract, and associated allegations to proceed to trial.
The case, which has garnered considerable media attention, stems from Lively’s accusations that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate conduct during the production of the film “It Ends With Us.” Lively alleges that she was kissed, nuzzled, and touched without her consent, actions she claims were part of a broader punitive smear campaign orchestrated by Baldoni against her. This campaign, according to Lively, has resulted in a staggering loss of $161 million in earnings.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Lively’s sexual harassment claims did not meet key legal requirements, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions. Baldoni’s attorneys expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence.” This dismissal of most claims marks a pivotal moment in the case, which has been closely watched in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Despite the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims, Lively’s legal team remains resolute. Sigrid McCawley, representing Lively, emphasized that the focus of the case will now shift to the retaliation claims. “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,” McCawley stated.
The legal fight traces back to the production and release of “It Ends With Us,” which grossed approximately $350 million worldwide. The film’s success contrasts sharply with the turmoil surrounding its production, as Lively’s allegations suggest a toxic work environment that raises important questions about workplace conduct in the entertainment industry.
As the trial approaches in May, Lively looks forward to testifying and shedding light on the issue of online retaliation, aiming to make it easier for others to detect and combat such behavior. “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,” McCawley added, highlighting the broader implications of the case.
While Baldoni had previously filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, that claim was also dismissed, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding this high-profile case. As both parties prepare for the upcoming trial, the entertainment industry watches closely, aware that the outcomes may set precedents for future workplace conduct and retaliation claims.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific nature of the remaining claims and how they will be presented in court. However, the ongoing legal proceedings underscore the complexities of navigating personal conduct and professional relationships in Hollywood, particularly in the post-#MeToo era.
