Summary (tl;dr)

A federal judge has largely dismissed Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against her "It Ends With Us" co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, significantly narrowing her lawsuit, though claims of retaliation and breach of contract will proceed to trial. This development follows a protracted legal battle that also saw a $400 million defamation countersuit by Baldoni against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, previously dismissed.

Essential Background

The conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni originated after the 2024 release of their film "It Ends With Us," an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, which was a global hit but soon became overshadowed by rumors of tension between the co-stars. Lively initiated legal action in December 2024, filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging sexual harassment and a "social manipulation" campaign against her. In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion, claiming they sought to destroy his reputation. This countersuit was later dismissed in June 2025.

The Full Story

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, a federal judge in New York dismissed 10 of Blake Lively's 13 claims against Justin Baldoni, including allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. The judge cited that Lively was considered an independent contractor, not an employee, which impacted her ability to pursue federal sexual harassment claims, and also noted that California law did not apply as the film's production took place in New Jersey. Despite this, three of Lively's claims—breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation—will advance to a civil trial scheduled for May 18, 2026, in New York. The remaining claims will focus on allegations that Baldoni orchestrated a retaliatory campaign to disseminate negative stories about Lively online after she voiced concerns about set conduct.

Why It Matters

This high-profile legal battle highlights critical discussions about workplace conduct within the entertainment industry, particularly concerning the legal protections available to independent contractors versus employees. The case has also drawn significant public and media attention due to the involvement of high-profile celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds and even private text messages between Lively and Taylor Swift being revealed in court filings. The judge's ruling further clarifies the legal complexities surrounding harassment and retaliation claims in creative environments, raising broader questions about reputation management and accountability in Hollywood.

Geographic Location

• New York, New York, United States (location of federal court proceedings and upcoming trial)
• New Jersey, United States (location where "It Ends With Us" was filmed)