Federal Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of Blake Lively's 13 claims against Justin Baldoni, his studio Wayfarer Studios, and others, including sexual harassment and defamation allegations. The ruling, in a 162-page opinion issued Thursday, allows breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation claims to proceed to trial on May 18 in New York City.
Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni and associates in late 2024 following production of the film 'It Ends With Us,' alleging sexual harassment, defamation, retaliation, and related claims stemming from set incidents and a purported mid-2024 online smear campaign. Judge Liman granted summary judgment dismissing the sexual harassment claims, ruling Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee and that California law lacked jurisdiction since filming occurred in New Jersey with no substantial California nexus. Defamation claims were also dismissed, along with counts against individual defendants including Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel, and aiding and abetting claims against some PR individuals. The remaining claims—breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation—warrant a jury trial, as evidence viewed favorably to Lively shows triable issues. Settlement talks failed in February after filings began. Lively's attorney Sigrid McCawley stated: “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.” Baldoni's lawyers, including Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, responded: “We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants." Both sides welcomed aspects of the decision.
