Blake Lively's Sexual Harassment And Defamation Claims Against Justin Baldoni Dismissed

Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni Case Update: 10 of the 13 accusations Blake Lively made against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni were dropped by a court in the Southern District of New York, which is a noteworthy development. He was accused of sexual harassment and slander during the making of It Ends With Us in the December 2024 lawsuit. The Manhattan-based judge, Lewis J. Liman, narrowed the case's scope while permitting other allegations to proceed.

The portions of Blake Lively's case may still be heard in the court because the judge upheld three charges, including retaliation. The ruling gives Justin Baldoni a partial victory, but it also guaranteed that the legal battle will go on, with important facets of the conflict still up for further scrutiny in court.

Liman said on Thursday that Blake's status as an independent contractor precluded her from bringing a sexual harassment lawsuit under federal law. Additionally, he ruled that because the filming was done in New Jersey, she could not bring a harassment claim under California law.

"We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants. 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, " said attorneys Alexandria Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, who represent Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and their publicists.

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The jury will decide whether Blake was the victim of a retaliatory slander campaign, according to Sigrid McCawley, a member of Blake's legal team, as reported by Variety.

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively exiting the court following the settlement conference.

Justin was accompanied by his wife, while Blake was alone.

I am surprised Blake did not turn up in her florals 🤭 pic.twitter.com/xN3MbBUP4O

— Queen Esther (@XOQueenEsther) February 12, 2026

About Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni Case

The encounters between Blake and Justin on the set of It Ends With Us are the root of the case. Blake played Lily Bloom, the main character in the movie, a young lady who witnessed domestic abuse as a child and found herself in a similar situation years later.

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Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in 2024, claiming that he had engaged in harassment and a smear campaign on the filming of their successful film. He countersued after denying it. She accused co-star of sexually assaulting her on the movie set by making remarks about her weight and attractiveness.

Blake Lively's legal team has accused Justin and his film studio, Wayfarer, of plotting to destroy her reputation, including by manipulating social media and employing friendly journalists to spread false information. Justin and his lawyers contended that Blake exploited false accusations of wrongdoing to take over the movie and subsequently turn Justin into a villain.

Additionally, the team contended that Blake's accusations regarding his behaviour on set were really 'minor grievances'.