Blake Lively Speaks Out After Sexual Harassment Claim Against It Ends With Us Co-Star Dismissed

The actress vows to keep fighting for a safe work environment despite the judge's ruling.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:04pm

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Blake Lively has spoken out after a judge dismissed 10 of the 13 claims she made against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, including allegations of sexual harassment and defamation. While the remaining three claims will go to trial, Lively expressed gratitude that the court is allowing her to present the "heart of [her] case" to a jury. She emphasized that she never wanted a lawsuit, but felt compelled to fight for a safe work environment for herself and others.

Why it matters

This high-profile case has sparked a broader conversation about workplace harassment and the challenges actors face in speaking out, especially when it involves co-stars. The dismissal of the majority of Lively's claims raises questions about the legal system's handling of such cases, while the ongoing trial will continue to shine a light on the complex dynamics of the entertainment industry.

The details

Lively filed the lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, claiming he sexually harassed her and created a hostile work environment on the set of It Ends With Us. She accused him of making inappropriate comments about her appearance, improvising unwanted kissing scenes, and fat-shaming her during filming. The judge dismissed 10 of the 13 claims, including those related to harassment and defamation, but the retaliation, breach of contract, and aiding and abetting retaliation claims will proceed to trial. Lively has vowed to continue fighting for a safe work environment, while Baldoni and his team have rejected the allegations, calling them "minor grievances" and claiming Lively embellished events to portray him in a negative light.

  • On December 31, 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni.
  • On April 2, 2026, a judge dismissed 10 of the 13 claims Lively made against Baldoni.
  • On April 3, 2026, Lively made a public statement on her Instagram Story regarding the case.
  • On February 11, 2026, Lively and Baldoni met with a magistrate judge for mediation, but the session ended without a resolution.
  • The jury trial surrounding It Ends With Us is scheduled to start on May 18, 2026.

The players

Blake Lively

An American actress who filed a lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

Justin Baldoni

An American actor who co-starred with Blake Lively in the film It Ends With Us. He has rejected all of Lively's accusations, calling them "minor grievances" and claiming she embellished events to portray him in a negative light.

Judge Lewis Liman

The judge who ruled on the case, dismissing 10 of the 13 claims Lively made against Baldoni.

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What they’re saying

“I hope the Court's decision shows others that, as unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up.”

— Blake Lively

“Baldoni had the right to defend himself against her allegations.”

— Baldoni's team

What’s next

The remaining three claims, retaliation, breach of contract, and aiding and abetting retaliation, will go to trial on May 18, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges actors face in speaking out about workplace harassment, as well as the complexities of the legal system in addressing such allegations. The dismissal of the majority of Lively's claims raises questions about the standards and burden of proof required for these types of cases, while the upcoming trial will continue to shed light on the power dynamics and potential misconduct within the entertainment industry.