Blake Lively Vows to Keep Fighting After Judge Dismisses Most Claims in Baldoni Lawsuit

The actress says she will not waste the privilege of being able to stand up and expose harmful systems.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:24pm

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Actress Blake Lively vowed to keep fighting after a federal judge dismissed most of her claims in her sexual harassment lawsuit against her 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. The judge tossed out 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including harassment, defamation and conspiracy, but allowed three other claims to proceed to a trial scheduled for May.

Why it matters

Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni has been making headlines since 2024, when she accused her co-star of sexual harassment during the movie's production. The case has sparked conversations about retaliation and the challenges victims face when speaking up about misconduct in the entertainment industry.

The details

In a 152-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims against Baldoni, but allowed three other claims to proceed to trial: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation. Lively's lawyers had argued that Baldoni 'kissed, nuzzled and touched' the actress without her consent, and that his production company, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against her after she complained about alleged misconduct on the set.

  • On Thursday, April 4, 2026, the judge issued his ruling.
  • The trial is scheduled to start on May 18, 2026.

The players

Blake Lively

An American actress who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star, Justin Baldoni.

Justin Baldoni

An American actor, director, and producer who was accused of sexual harassment by Blake Lively during the production of the film 'It Ends With Us'.

Lewis J. Liman

A U.S. District Judge who dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims against Baldoni, but allowed three other claims to proceed to trial.

Alexandra Shapiro

One of Baldoni's attorneys who said they were 'pleased' the court dismissed the sexual harassment claims.

Jonathan Bach

One of Baldoni's attorneys who said they were 'pleased' the court dismissed the sexual harassment claims.

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What they’re saying

“The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”

— Blake Lively

“The physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse. And it's everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.”

— Blake Lively

“These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided. What's left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.”

— Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, Baldoni's attorneys

“The retaliation Ms. Lively faced for privately speaking up for a safe working environment has always been the beating heart of her case. It is why she filed her lawsuit.”

— Mike Gottlieb, Lively's attorney

What’s next

The trial is scheduled to start on May 18, 2026, where the remaining three claims against Baldoni will be heard.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges victims face when speaking up about misconduct in the entertainment industry, including the risk of retaliation. Lively's vow to keep fighting underscores the importance of holding powerful figures accountable and creating safer working environments for all.