Judge Dismisses Majority of Blake Lively's Claims in Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
A federal judge has significantly narrowed Blake Lively's lawsuit against her It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni, throwing out 10 of the 13 claims just weeks before the trial is set to begin. The ruling, issued on Thursday by Judge Lewis Liman, dismisses allegations including sexual harassment, conspiracy, and defamation, focusing the case on a narrower set of issues.
Legal Team Responds to Court Decision
In response to the dismissal, Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's lawyer, stated to Associated Press that the defendants are "very good people who have not engaged in this sexual harassment as alleged." He added, "It is gratifying to see that the court's ruling confirms what the legal team believed from day one." In a separate statement to TMZ, Freedman emphasized that the defendants were not afraid of the truth and planned to present evidence to support their innocence.
Context of Film Scenes Cited in Ruling
Judge Liman's 152-page opinion highlighted that Lively's claims must be viewed within the context of the film It Ends With Us, a domestic abuse drama featuring intimate scenes between the actors. The judge noted specific allegations, such as Baldoni leaning in as if to kiss Lively or touching her during filming, but concluded that Baldoni was "acting in the scene." Liman wrote, "Creative artists must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment."
He further explained that while such conduct might support a claim in other settings, like a factory floor, the social context in filmmaking requires careful consideration. Additionally, Liman determined that Lively could not bring sexual harassment claims under certain laws because she worked as an independent contractor, not an employee, on the project.
Trial Proceeds on Retaliatory Campaign Allegations
With the dismissal of most claims, the case will proceed to trial next month, focusing on Lively's allegations of a negative retaliatory campaign. Following rumors of a rift after the film's release in August 2024, Baldoni and lead producer Jamey Heath hired a crisis PR team, which Lively claims aimed to smear her reputation.
Mike Gottlieb, Lively's attorney, responded to the ruling in a statement to the Guardian, arguing that the dismissal was based on legal technicalities rather than an endorsement of the defendants' conduct. He said, "The court held that Ms Lively's sexual harassment claims could not go to a jury because of issues like contract status and jurisdiction." Gottlieb criticized Freedman for claiming exoneration while still facing trial.
The trial is scheduled for 18 May, and the Guardian has reached out to Baldoni's lawyers for further comment. This case underscores the complexities of harassment claims in creative industries, where artistic expression and workplace boundaries often intersect.
