US Judge Dismisses Most of Blake Lively’s Sexual Harassment Claims Against Justin Baldoni

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed the majority of Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims in her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, related to their work on the 2024 romantic drama ‘It Ends With Us.’ District Judge Lewis Liman of Manhattan ruled on jurisdictional grounds, noting that Lively’s lawsuit, filed under California law, involved alleged conduct that occurred elsewhere. Lively, who is married to Ryan Reynolds, had filed suit not only against Baldoni but also against his production company, Wayfarer Studios, and others, claiming harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy, and violations of federal and state civil rights laws. She alleged that a sexually charged work environment was created during filming and that efforts were made to silence her. Baldoni, who also directed the film, denied wrongdoing and maintained that he addressed her concerns and hired a crisis management firm only in response to public disparagement. The ruling allows Lively to pursue limited claims, including retaliation against Wayfarer Studios, a contract claim, and an aiding and abetting claim against certain defendants. The public dispute first emerged in December 2024 when Lively filed a complaint with the California civil rights department. Previously, Baldoni had sued Lively and Reynolds for defamation, but these claims were dismissed. The case highlights complex issues in Hollywood involving workplace conduct, legal jurisdiction, and high-profile disputes between actors and filmmakers.