Blake Lively Addresses Judge’s Dismissal of Most Claims in Baldoni Lawsuit

Blake Lively issued a detailed statement on Instagram following a New York City judge’s decision to dismiss most of her claims against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. The ruling, handed down recently, eliminated her sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy allegations, narrowing the case to three remaining claims: retaliation, breach of contract, and aiding and abetting. Lively expressed satisfaction that the core of her case can now proceed to a jury trial scheduled for May 18, allowing her to fully share her story. She emphasized that the lawsuit stemmed from retaliation she faced after requesting a safe working environment on set, highlighting ongoing ‘digital violence’ that affects many beyond celebrity circles. Lively described the experience as ‘unfathomably painful’ and urged other victims to speak out. Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Lively, as an independent contractor rather than an employee, could not pursue sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, partly due to the filming location in New Jersey. Baldoni’s lawyers welcomed the dismissal, calling it a careful review of evidence, and look forward to defending the remaining claims. Lively’s attorney noted the decision hinged on technical legal issues, not an endorsement of the defendants’ actions. The dispute originated in 2025 from alleged harassment during production of the film, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s novel, which grossed $50 million on opening weekend in August 2024. Baldoni’s prior $400 million countersuit against Lively and Ryan Reynolds was dismissed last June.