A federal judge in New York dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni related to their film “It Ends With Us,” but allowed two retaliation claims to proceed. Judge Lewis J. Liman’s ruling followed Lively’s December 2024 lawsuit, which included multiple allegations against Baldoni and others. A trial is set for May 18, with jury selection discussions already underway. Baldoni, who directed and starred alongside Lively, has denied the harassment claims, while he and Wayfarer Studios previously filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion, although that claim was dismissed. In his ruling, Liman concluded Lively, as an independent contractor, could not bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, noting that Baldoni’s actions during filming were tied to their characters and not Lively personally.
Why It Matters
This ruling highlights the complexities of legal definitions surrounding workplace harassment, particularly in creative industries where performance often blurs the lines of personal interactions. The judge’s decision underscores the importance of the employment classification in harassment claims under federal law. The ongoing trial will focus on the retaliation allegations, which may set precedents for how the entertainment industry addresses claims of misconduct and the repercussions of speaking out against perceived injustices on set. This case also reflects broader discussions about accountability and conduct within the film industry in a post-#MeToo era.
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