Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: Judge Dismisses Actress’ 10 of 13 Claims in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Nearly two years later, the Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni legal battle has once again made headlines. As per the latest update, the legal case has hit a crucial setback. On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Federal Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 harassment, conspiracy, and defamation claims of Blake Lively against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. 

Only three of the actress’s claims will be heard at trial, including breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation. This significant development in the ongoing legal dispute has once again brought their case into the spotlight. Here’s what will happen next.

Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: Federal Judge Dismisses Most of the Claims

After the court rejected 10 out of 13 claims, they will now go to a civil trial in New York on May 18, 2024. In his 152-page opinion, Judge Liman listed a host of reasons for dismissing the many allegations against Baldoni.

For the context, the legal battle began in 2024, just after the release of the domestic violence film It Ends With Us. Blake sued the director and co-actor Justin, accusing him of sexual harassment and a smear campaign to damage her reputation. She claimed that he made comments about her appearance and weight while on the film set. However, Justin denied it all and countersued the actress. alleging that she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, were involved in extortion and defamation. His USD 400 million lawsuit was dismissed last year. 

On Thursday, Judge Liman ruled that Blake Lively could not bring forth a sexual harassment claim under federal law because she was an independent contractor. Additionally, she can’t file a sexual harassment claim under California law because the filming of the film took place in New Jersey. 

Through a statement, Sigrid McCawley, an attorney for Lively, 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.” 

On the other hand, Justin’s attorneys Alexandria Shapiro and Jonathan Bach stated, “We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants.” The online legal dispute has once again sparked discussions around the actors.