Key moments
On April 2, 2026, a federal judge dismissed a significant portion of Blake Lively’s lawsuit against actor Justin Baldoni, ruling that 10 of the 13 claims related to sexual harassment were not substantiated. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman’s decision has drawn attention as Lively’s legal team prepares to take the remaining claims of retaliation, breach of contract, and related allegations to trial in May.
The lawsuit, which was initially filed on December 31, 2024, stems from Lively’s accusations that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate conduct, including kissing, nuzzling, and touching her without consent. The case has garnered media coverage due to its implications for workplace conduct in the entertainment industry, particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions surrounding the #MeToo movement.
In the wake of the ruling, Baldoni’s attorneys expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, 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 the sexual harassment claims marks a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings, as it narrows the focus of the trial to the remaining allegations.
Lively’s legal representation, led by attorney Sigrid McCawley, has emphasized that the core of the case revolves around retaliation and the alleged smear campaign orchestrated by Baldoni against Lively. McCawley stated, “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.”
Additionally, the legal battle has seen Baldoni file a $400 million countersuit against Lively, which was subsequently dismissed. This countersuit adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing litigation, as both parties navigate the legal ramifications of their accusations.
The film ‘It Ends With Us,’ which is at the center of this legal dispute, has grossed approximately $350 million worldwide. Lively claims to have lost $161 million as a result of the alleged smear campaign against her. The financial stakes involved further underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on both parties’ careers.
As the trial approaches, Lively has expressed her determination to testify and shed light on the issues of online retaliation. She stated, “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.” The case not only highlights individual grievances but also raises broader questions about workplace conduct and the handling of retaliation claims in the post-#MeToo era.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific evidence that will be presented at trial, but the upcoming proceedings are expected to attract significant attention from both the media and the public as they unfold.
