A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie “It Ends With Us” but left intact a claim for retaliation. https://t.co/cRrOUrszkG
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 2, 2026
Trial Scheduled for May 18th.
All sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni over the movie “It Ends With Us” were dismissed Thursday by a federal judge. Three claims left intact three claims, including retaliation.
Judge determined that Lively was an “independent contractor” rather than an “employee” and she was not entitled to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additionally, he also ruled she could not file a harassment claim under California law because the filming took place in New Jersey.
A specific incidents may be brought to trial:
– Baldoni once said “pretty hot” after asking Lively to remove her jacket, exposing a lace bra underneath, and that when he was warned that it was inappropriate and distracting to make such comment, he allegedly rolled his eyes and responded: “Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training.”
– Liman also cited a scene in which Baldoni pushed for Lively to perform a birth scene naked and then the scene was filmed over several hours without the set being closed to nonessential personnel.
He also stated that the scene between Ryle and Lily she was bringing as harrassment “might reasonably be expected to take place between two characters during a slow dancing scene” “Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment.”
Judge said some evidence might enable a jury to conclude that Baldoni’s production company planned to damage Lively’s reputation and destroy her career.
Second source because Variety includes lawyers’ quotes
A judge has thrown out 10 of the 13 claims in Blake Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, including allegations of harassment, defamation and conspiracy.
He allowed three claims to proceed to a trial, including claims of breach of contract, retaliation and… pic.twitter.com/cmKqEN4F4Y
— Variety (@Variety) April 2, 2026
Baldoni’s attorneys:
“We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants,” said attorneys Alexandria Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, who represent Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and their publicists. “These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided. What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.”
Lively’s attorneys:
“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 said. “For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted. She 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.”
It Ends With Trial?
Yes – they will fight
4(100.0%)
No – they will settle
0(0.0%)
