Key moments
In a significant legal development, a federal judge has dismissed the majority of Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni. The ruling, issued on April 2, 2026, saw 10 out of the 13 claims in Lively’s lawsuit thrown out, leaving only three claims to proceed to trial, which is scheduled for May.
The remaining claims focus on allegations of retaliation, breach of contract, and related issues. Lively’s legal team has alleged that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate conduct, including kissing, nuzzling, and touching her without consent. This case has drawn considerable attention, particularly in the context of workplace conduct and retaliation claims in the post-#MeToo era.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Lively’s sexual harassment claims did not meet key legal requirements, prompting Baldoni’s attorneys to express satisfaction with the court’s decision. “These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence,” they stated.
However, Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, emphasized that the focus of the case remains on the alleged retaliation and the steps taken by Baldoni and others to damage Lively’s reputation. “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 asserted.
The legal battle traces back to the production and release of the film “It Ends With Us,” which grossed approximately $350 million worldwide. Lively claims to have suffered significant financial losses, stating she lost $161 million due to the alleged smear campaign orchestrated against her.
In a counter move, Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, which was subsequently dismissed. The ongoing litigation has sparked discussions about the implications of workplace behavior and the handling of such allegations in the entertainment industry.
As the trial approaches, Lively has expressed her eagerness to testify, aiming to shed light on the issue of online retaliation. “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,” McCawley noted, highlighting the broader significance of the case.
Details remain unconfirmed as both parties prepare for the upcoming trial, which promises to address critical issues surrounding workplace safety and the treatment of individuals who come forward with allegations of misconduct.
