Judge Dismisses Blake Lively's Sexual Harassment Claims Against Justin Baldoni, But Retaliation Case Remains

Baldoni's countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds was also dismissed, as the judge ruled Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:24pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and glittering sequins in dramatic, high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the tension and glamour of the Hollywood film industry.The legal battle over alleged misconduct on the set of 'It Ends With Us' exposes the complex power dynamics and high-stakes reputation risks in the entertainment industry.NYC Today

A federal judge in New York has dismissed Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director Justin Baldoni, but left intact three other claims, including retaliation, that will allow a jury to hear many of the allegations. Baldoni and his production company had countersued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion, but those claims were also dismissed by the judge.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding allegations of misconduct on film sets, where creative boundaries can sometimes blur the lines of appropriate behavior. The judge's ruling suggests that even if Baldoni's actions may have crossed the line in a traditional workplace, the context of an acting scene complicated the sexual harassment claims. However, the retaliation allegations will still be heard by a jury, underscoring the importance of protecting workers who come forward with complaints.

The details

In his ruling, the judge determined that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee, meaning she could not bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. However, the judge said some evidence might enable a jury to conclude that Baldoni's production company planned to damage Lively's reputation and destroy her career out of fear she would file a discrimination claim. Lively alleges a 'smear campaign' has been 'devastating for her reputation and career.' While the judge said Baldoni's on-set conduct during a 'slow dancing scene' was 'not so far beyond what might reasonably be expected,' he noted that Baldoni once called Lively 'pretty hot' after asking her to remove her jacket, exposing a lace bra, and allegedly rolled his eyes when warned it was inappropriate.

  • The lawsuit was filed in December 2024.
  • The judge dismissed Baldoni's countersuit claims against Lively and Reynolds in June 2025.
  • The trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026.

The players

Blake Lively

An actress who starred in and produced the film 'It Ends With Us,' and filed the lawsuit against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni.

Justin Baldoni

The co-star and director of 'It Ends With Us,' who was sued by Lively for sexual harassment but had his countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds dismissed.

Ryan Reynolds

Lively's husband, who was named in Baldoni's dismissed countersuit along with Lively.

It Ends With Us Movie LLC

The production company behind the film 'It Ends With Us,' which is a defendant in one of the retaliation claims that survived the judge's ruling.

Wayfarer Studios

Baldoni's production company, which was also named in the dismissed countersuit.

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What they’re saying

“Lively 'looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it become easier to detect and fight.'”

— Sigrid McCawley, Lively's attorney

“It is gratifying to see that the courts ruling confirms what the legal team believed from day one.”

— Bryan Freedman, Lawyer for Baldoni

What’s next

The case is scheduled to go to trial on May 18, 2026, where a jury will hear the remaining retaliation claims against Baldoni and the production companies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding allegations of misconduct on film sets, where the creative nature of the work can complicate traditional definitions of sexual harassment. While the judge dismissed Lively's harassment claims, the retaliation allegations will still be heard, underscoring the importance of protecting workers who come forward with complaints, even in high-profile industries.