A US federal judge has dismissed sexual harassment claims filed by actress Blake Lively against actor-director Justin Baldoni, significantly narrowing a high-profile legal battle tied to their 2024 film It Ends With Us.
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US District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that the alleged conduct cited by Lively appeared to be directed at her character rather than at her personally. The decision followed over a year of contentious litigation stemming from the film’s production.
Lively had accused Baldoni of introducing unscripted intimate content during filming, including a dance sequence and a childbirth scene she claimed involved pressure to simulate nudity. However, the court held that creative professionals must be allowed flexibility within agreed scripts without automatically facing harassment claims.
Despite dismissing the sexual harassment allegations, the judge allowed Lively to proceed with claims that Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, may have retaliated against her after she raised concerns. The court said jurors could examine whether her career was harmed through an alleged smear campaign.
Lively’s legal team said she is prepared to testify and present evidence regarding efforts to damage her reputation. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s lawyers welcomed the ruling, stating that the case has now been “significantly narrowed.”
The case, which has drawn attention across Hollywood and involves figures such as Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid and Hugh Jackman, is scheduled to go to trial on May 18.
Lively originally filed the lawsuit in December 2024, alleging harassment, defamation, and violations of civil rights laws. Baldoni has denied all allegations and previously filed a defamation suit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, which was also dismissed.
