Federal Judge Dismisses Bulk of Blake Lively's Legal Claims Against Co-Star
In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman has dismissed the majority of claims filed by actress Blake Lively against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. The ruling, issued in early April 2026, represents a substantial narrowing of the high-profile case that has captivated the entertainment industry for months.
Claims Dismissed and Allowed to Proceed
Judge Liman specifically tossed Lively's allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy, according to reports from PEOPLE, the Associated Press, and other media outlets. However, the court permitted three claims to move forward: one for breach of contract and two related to retaliation allegations. This decision came after extensive review of evidence and legal arguments presented by both parties.
Background of the Allegations
The original lawsuit, filed in December 2024, contained serious accusations against Baldoni. Lively alleged that the actor-director "flouted intimacy protocols on set" by improvising kisses without an intimacy coordinator present and attempting to add unnecessary sexual or nude scenes. The complaint detailed specific incidents, including one where Baldoni allegedly leaned forward during a slow dance scene and dragged his lips from her ear down her neck while commenting on her scent.
When Lively objected to this behavior, Baldoni reportedly responded, "I'm not even attracted to you." These allegations formed the core of the harassment claims that have now been dismissed by the court.
Legal Reasoning Behind the Dismissals
Judge Liman's decision to dismiss the sexual harassment claims rested on several key findings. First, he determined that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee during the film's production. Additionally, the judge noted that the actors were working on a movie where intimacy was scripted and expected between characters.
In his written opinion, Judge Liman stated that Baldoni's conduct during filming "was not so far beyond what might reasonably be expected to take place between two characters during a slow dancing scene." This assessment proved crucial in the dismissal of the harassment allegations.
Reactions from Legal Teams
Baldoni's legal representatives expressed satisfaction with the ruling in a statement to PEOPLE, calling the allegations "very serious" and expressing gratitude for the court's careful review. They emphasized that the case has been "significantly narrowed" and indicated readiness to defend against the remaining claims at trial.
Meanwhile, Lively's attorney Sigrid McCawley maintained that the case remains focused on "devastating retaliation" and efforts to destroy the actress's reputation. McCawley stated that Lively "looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation."
Broader Context and Additional Legal Actions
The legal battle has involved multiple layers of litigation. After Lively filed her initial suit, Baldoni countersued both the actress and her husband Ryan Reynolds, along with the New York Times, for defamation and extortion. Those claims were dismissed by a judge in November 2025.
Court documents have revealed private communications that have entered the public record, including text messages between Lively and friend Taylor Swift in which Baldoni was referred to as a "doofus director" and "clown." Additional correspondence showed Lively reaching out to actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for feedback on the film, describing the production as "the most upsetting experience I've ever had on a movie."
Industry Impact and Pending Trial
The allegations have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, highlighting ongoing concerns about on-set behavior and protocols. Lively originally stated that she hoped her legal action would "pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics" and protect others who speak up about misconduct.
It Ends With Us, adapted from Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, was released in summer 2024 and featured Lively as a florist in an abusive relationship with a neurosurgeon played by Baldoni. Despite the legal drama surrounding its production, the film achieved commercial success.
A trial on the remaining claims is currently scheduled for May 18, 2026, where both parties will have the opportunity to present their cases before a jury. The entertainment industry continues to watch closely as this high-stakes legal drama unfolds, with potential implications for how similar cases might be handled in the future.
