Blake Lively Suffers ‘Huge Blow’ in Justin Baldoni Court Battle but He’s ‘Not Off the Hook,’ Say Legal Experts (Exclusive)

A recent ruling by a federal judge has significantly impacted Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle against Justin Baldoni. On April 2, Judge Lewis J. Liman of the Southern District of New York dismissed ten out of the thirteen claims brought forward by the actress in relation to allegations of sexual harassment. This decision alters the landscape of the case considerably, with experts weighing in on its implications for both parties.

The judge’s ruling is seen as both a setback for Lively and a substantial victory for Baldoni, noted Gregory L. Doll, an entertainment litigation attorney. He described the dismissal as a “huge blow” to Lively, while simultaneously framing it as a “huge win” for her co-star and writer of “It Ends with Us,” Baldoni. Conversely, Megan Thomas, an attorney specializing in sexual harassment cases, asserted that the remaining claims—which pertain to issues of retaliation—are still “strong.” Despite the dismissed claims, Thomas emphasised that Baldoni still faces significant legal challenges.

The court’s decision focused on various claims, including sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy, which were found inadmissible under both federal and Californian law. The judge determined that Lively was considered an independent contractor rather than an employee, which effectively excluded her from protections offered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Additionally, the film in question was produced in New Jersey, further complicating Lively’s legal standing.

Liman’s ruling left a narrowed set of allegations regarding retaliation, with the potential for these claims to proceed to trial. Doll cautioned that proving retaliation and damages would be no easy feat for Lively, suggesting that the evidence might not robustly support her claims given the circumstances of the case.

While Baldoni is no longer personally liable due to the dismissal of numerous claims, this does not dismiss Lively’s remaining allegations. Thomas noted that although some sexual harassment claims were thrown out due to lack of legal viability, the breach of contract and retaliation claims are more substantial and remain on track to move forward in court.

Despite the narrowing of the case, Lively’s team maintains that she has substantial evidence to support her claims. Her attorney, Michael Gottlieb, reiterated that the sexual harassment allegations have been central to Lively’s case from the beginning. Gottlieb clarified that the judge’s ruling does not serve as an endorsement of Baldoni’s actions but instead relates to legal definitions and jurisdictions concerning Lively’s status as an independent contractor.

The legal skirmish began back in December 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of their film, which is based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. She claimed he attempted to undermine her reputation through a calculated smear campaign, which was discussed in a New York Times article. Shortly thereafter, Lively filed a formal lawsuit accusing Baldoni of several serious violations, including sexual harassment, breach of contract, and invasion of privacy.

Baldoni has consistently denied the allegations, even launching a counterclaim for defamation and extortion against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their public relations team. However, these counterclaims were dismissed by the court, which adds complexity to Baldoni’s position as the trial approaches.

Statements from both parties indicate a strong commitment to seeing the case through. Despite a prior settlement conference that failed to resolve the matter, both Lively and Baldoni are set to give testimony when the case goes to trial, scheduled for May 18. The legal community is watching closely as the unfolding events may pave the way for significant developments in workplace harassment and contractor relations.

As legal arguments unfold in a courtroom rather than a public forum, the focus will shift to the remaining claims, with both sides gearing up for what promises to be a compelling trial. The outcome may not only influence the careers and reputations of those involved but could also have broader implications for similar cases in the entertainment industry and beyond.