Blake Lively's Sexual Harassment Claims Partially Dismissed

A judge has dismissed 10 of 13 claims filed by actress Blake Lively, primarily concerning allegations of sexual harassment. The ruling, delivered today, acknowledged the claims were 'far from baseless,' but ultimately dismissed them based on Lively’s classification as an independent contractor, not an employee.

Retaliation Claims to Proceed to Trial

Despite the dismissal of the harassment claims, the case will move forward to trial regarding Lively’s allegations of retaliation. This signifies a crucial continuation of the legal battle, focusing on actions allegedly taken against her after she spoke out.

Focus on Alleged Reputation Damage

Attorney Sigrid McCawley, representing Lively, stated the legal team’s primary focus remains the alleged retaliation Lively faced and the measures taken to damage her reputation. McCawley emphasized that the case centers around Lively’s advocacy for set safety and her courage in speaking out.

Allegations of Coordinated Digital Attacks

The forthcoming trial will be an opportunity to expose what the legal team alleges was malicious behavior. They aim to achieve justice for Lively and protect others who speak out against misconduct. The team is particularly focused on accountability for those allegedly involved in coordinated digital attacks.

Lively's Commitment to Testify

Lively has expressed her eagerness to testify at the upcoming trial. She is committed to highlighting the nature of online retaliation and hopes to make it easier to identify and combat such actions in the future. The trial is expected to provide insights into the intersection of set safety, digital attacks, and workplace misconduct.

Employment Status Key to Ruling

The judge’s ruling differentiates between the employment status of Lively, impacting the decision on the harassment claims. This case will be important in determining the degree of accountability the defendants will face.