In a dramatic turn in Hollywood, actress Blake Lively’s high-profile legal fight against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni has taken a sharp turn.
A federal judge has dismissed the majority of her claims leaving only three allegations to face trial but the spotlight on retaliation and reputation warfare remains fierce.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman on Thursday threw out 10 of the 13 claims in Lively’s lawsuit, including sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy.
The remaining claims breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation are set to be heard in a New York civil trial on May 18, 2026.
The legal saga began in December 2024, when Lively accused Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of creating a hostile, sexually charged environment on the set of the 2024 romantic drama It Ends With Us.
She also claimed Baldoni retaliated against her after she raised concerns, orchestrating an alleged campaign to damage her professional and personal reputation online.
Judge Liman’s 152-page ruling emphasized that Lively’s sexual harassment claims were dismissed because she was an independent contractor, not an employee, and because much of the alleged misconduct occurred in New Jersey, outside the jurisdiction of California law.
He also found that several defamation claims did not meet legal standards, as the statements referenced ongoing litigation and public relations measures.
“Certain conduct at least arguably crossed the line,” the judge wrote, leaving the remaining retaliation claims for trial. These focus on whether Baldoni engaged in a coordinated effort to tarnish Lively’s career and online image.
Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, said, “This case has always been about the extraordinary retaliation and the lengths the defendants went to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on set. This trial will expose those actions fully.” She emphasized that the dismissal of sexual harassment claims was “not because the defendants did nothing wrong but due to a technicality.” Lively is expected to testify, shedding light on the alleged attacks against her professionally and personally.
Baldoni’s lawyers welcomed the ruling, highlighting the dismissal of sexual harassment claims and all charges against other individual defendants, including Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath. They stressed their readiness to defend against the remaining retaliation claims.
The case has captured Hollywood’s attention, involving stars like Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Ben Affleck, and Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds whose role in Baldoni’s counter-lawsuit was also dismissed. Unsealed messages between Lively and Swift revealed private discussions about the film and its script, adding a personal dimension to the public dispute.
It Ends With Us, released in 2024, was a worldwide hit, grossing over $351 million, with Lively portraying Lily Bloom, a woman navigating domestic abuse and complex relationships. Yet the behind-the-scenes legal battle has overshadowed the film’s success, exposing allegations of harassment, retaliation, and media manipulation.
The May trial promises to be a defining moment, determining whether Baldoni and Wayfarer unlawfully targeted Lively in a coordinated campaign to harm her career keeping Hollywood and the public watching closely.
