Most of Blake Lively’s Claims Against Justin Baldoni Dismissed in Harassment Suit
A federal judge has dismissed the majority of claims in Blake Lively’s lawsuit against actor and director Justin Baldoni, stemming from allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment during the production of the 2024 film, “It Ends With Us.” The ruling, delivered on Thursday, April 2, 2026, significantly weakens Lively’s case, leaving only a limited number of claims viable, NBC News reports.
Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 claims brought forth by Lively, including those pertaining to sexual harassment, defamation, and invasion of privacy, according to People Magazine. The dismissals were reportedly based on jurisdictional grounds, suggesting the court lacked sufficient authority to hear certain aspects of the case. Lively may still pursue claims related to retaliation and breach of contract against Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios.
The Origins of the Dispute
The legal battle began in December 2024 when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of inappropriate behavior on set. She later followed up with a lawsuit in New York, alleging a pattern of harassment and a retaliatory effort to damage her reputation. These claims arose after the release of a report in The New York Times detailing the allegations. Baldoni vehemently denied the accusations, responding with his own lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging libel and claiming the publication collaborated with Lively to smear his name.
Baldoni’s initial $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane, alleging civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy, was previously dismissed by Judge Liman in June 2025. As The Wrap detailed, that ruling found Baldoni’s claims insufficient to meet the legal standards for civil extortion.
Recent Developments and Industry Reaction
Recent filings indicate Lively’s legal team dropped claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, characterizing the move as a strategic streamlining of their case. However, Baldoni’s legal team has sought to prevent Lively from refiling these claims, requesting a dismissal with prejudice. According to Variety, a conference call between the parties and the judge was scheduled for April 2, shortly before the judge issued the ruling.
The case has drawn significant attention within the entertainment industry, raising questions about power dynamics on film sets and the challenges of navigating workplace harassment claims. The involvement of high-profile stars like Lively and Reynolds has further amplified the scrutiny. NewsNation reported that Lively and Reynolds have been actively increasing their public profile leading up to the latest court developments, potentially signaling a proactive strategy to shape public perception.
What Remains of the Lawsuit?
While the dismissal of most claims represents a substantial setback for Lively, the remaining allegations concerning retaliation and potential contract violations could still proceed to trial. The focus will now likely shift to determining whether Baldoni’s production company engaged in unlawful retaliatory practices or breached any contractual obligations. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the ultimate outcome remains uncertain.
This case underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding workplace harassment in Hollywood and the challenges of proving such allegations in court. It also highlights the potential for high-stakes legal battles when powerful figures become embroiled in public disputes. For more on current legal battles in the entertainment industry, see Globally Pulse Entertainment.
