Actress Blake Lively will continue her legal battle against Justin Baldoni, despite a judge dismissing the majority of her claims in her sexual harassment lawsuit. The trial is scheduled to begin in May and will center on allegations of breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation.

Lawsuit Narrowed, Core Claims Remain

A 152-page court ruling saw U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman reject 10 of Lively’s 13 claims against Baldoni, including those related to harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. However, three key claims – breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation – were allowed to move forward to trial.

Lively's Response and Commitment

Lively shared a statement on her Instagram stories, expressing gratitude that the case will proceed to trial. She emphasized the opportunity to fully present her narrative. She stated that initiating the lawsuit was not her initial desire, but she felt compelled to act due to the alleged retaliation she experienced, both personally and professionally, for advocating for a safe working environment.

Encouraging Others to Speak Out

Lively encouraged potential victims to come forward and speak out against retaliation and what she described as “digital warfare,” acknowledging the emotional and even physical toll it can take. She highlighted that this type of abuse is widespread, extending beyond headlines to local communities and schools.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed in 2024, centers on Lively's allegations of sexual harassment during the production of It Ends With Us, a drama based on Colleen Hoover's novel about domestic abuse. She also alleges that Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against her after she raised concerns about alleged misconduct on set.

Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct

Lively’s legal representatives have stated she was subjected to unwanted physical contact, including kisses, nuzzling, and touching, and that Baldoni’s behavior consistently crossed professional boundaries. Baldoni’s attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, expressed satisfaction with the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims and are prepared to defend their clients in court.

Court Ruling and Clarification

Judge Liman cited Lively’s status as an independent contractor, rather than an employee, as a key factor in dismissing the 10 claims under federal civil rights law. However, Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, clarified that the court confirmed sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial on her core claims, including private communications and her belief that Baldoni’s conduct constituted unlawful sexual harassment.

Focus on Retaliation

Gottlieb asserted that the dismissal of some claims was due to legal issues, not an endorsement of the defendants’ behavior. He underscored that Lively’s primary concern has always been the retaliation she faced for advocating for a safe work environment. Lively expressed appreciation for those who came before her and vowed to continue fighting against systems and individuals who seek to harm and silence victims.

The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18th.