Hollywood star Blake Lively has suffered a major legal setback in her ongoing lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, as a US federal judge dismissed most of her claims related to their film It Ends With Us.
Blake Lively`s case gets dismissed
The ruling, delivered by Judge Lewis Liman in New York, significantly narrows the scope of the case. Out of multiple allegations filed by Lively, including sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy, the court struck down the majority, allowing only a few claims to move forward.
According to the court, Lively’s sexual harassment claims could not proceed under federal law because she was considered an independent contractor rather than an employee during the film’s production. Additionally, the judge noted that certain allegations did not fall under California law, as the incidents in question occurred outside the state.
A key aspect of the ruling was the distinction between alleged actions directed at Lively personally and those involving her character in the film. The judge observed that some of the conduct cited in the lawsuit such as creative decisions or scene additions—was tied to the character and narrative, not necessarily to Lively as an individual.
Despite the setback, Lively’s legal battle is far from over. The court has allowed her retaliation claims to proceed, meaning a jury may still examine whether Baldoni or his production company engaged in actions that harmed her career after she raised concerns about on-set conditions. These remaining claims also include breach of contract and related allegations.
All about the lawsuit
The lawsuit, originally filed in December 2024, alleged that the working environment during the film’s production was inappropriate and that Lively faced backlash after speaking out. The case quickly gained widespread attention, drawing in several high-profile names and sparking intense debate within the industry.
Baldoni has consistently denied all allegations. His legal team welcomed the dismissal of the majority of claims, calling it a significant step in defending his position. Meanwhile, Lively’s representatives have indicated that she remains committed to pursuing the remaining aspects of the case and presenting her side in court.
The trial for the surviving claims is scheduled to begin in May 2026. While the latest ruling marks a major turning point, the dispute continues to unfold, keeping both actors in the spotlight as the legal battle heads toward its next phase.
