NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday dismissed most of Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni over the film It Ends With Us, while leaving three claims, including retaliation, intact for a jury to consider. The trial is scheduled to begin May 18.
U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Lively, who starred in and produced the movie, was an independent contractor rather than an employee, and therefore could not bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination, including on the basis of sex.
The judge found that Lively’s allegations—such as Baldoni kissing her forehead, rubbing his face against her neck, flicking her lip, and leaning into her during filming—occurred in the context of performing a scene. Liman wrote that while such conduct could constitute a hostile work environment in other settings, it “was directed to Lively’s character rather than to Lively herself” and fell within the bounds of the agreed-upon script.
However, Liman allowed two retaliation claims and one breach-of-contract claim to proceed. Evidence cited included Baldoni allegedly commenting “pretty hot” after Lively removed her jacket to reveal a lace bra, pushing for a nude birth scene that was filmed with nonessential personnel present, and allegedly attempting to damage Lively’s career after she raised concerns.
Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, said Lively looks forward to testifying and said the case focuses on “devastating retaliation” and efforts to harm her reputation. Attorneys for Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, did not immediately comment.
Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios had previously filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion, which Liman dismissed in June 2025.
It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, was released in August 2024 and grossed $50 million in its opening weekend. Lively has starred in films including The Town and The Shallows, and Baldoni is known for the TV series Jane the Virgin and the 2019 film Five Feet Apart.
