Blake Lively’s lawsuit with It Ends with Us director and costar Justin Baldoni has a major update. A federal judge has reportedly dismissed 10 of the 13 claims Lively brought, getting rid of big chunks of her case and leaving a smaller set of issues for a jury to decide. The ruling, filed on April 2, puts the spotlight on retaliation and contract-related claims while removing several of the most serious accusations Lively had initially raised.
Blake Lively losing most claims is a ‘huge win’ for Justin Baldoni, says source
Entertainment litigation attorney Gregory L. Doll, who has no connection to the case, exclusively told PEOPLE that the latest decision in the lawsuit is a “huge blow” to Blake Lively and a “huge win” for Justin Baldoni. Moreover, he claimed that Lively’s claims “have always been very weak,” citing legal hurdles that prevented them from moving forward.
The judge’s order reportedly dismissed claims of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. Doll told PEOPLE that the court prioritized legal limits, including that Lively worked as an independent contractor rather than an employee under Title VII, and that filming took place in New Jersey, not California. Additionally, Doll anticipated, “I think she’s got a tough road… proving retaliation and damages is going to be really difficult to do.”
However, another attorney suggested that the case still has bite. Megan Thomas, also not involved in the case, told PEOPLE that the remaining claims, including breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation, “are more substantial and will move forward.” Thomas called the ruling “a blow to Lively,” but proposed that Baldoni is “not off the hook.”
Blake Lively first filed her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December 2024, with Baldoni denying her claims and later filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their PR team. But the judge dismissed those counterclaims in June 2025.
After the latest ruling, Lively’s attorney Michael Gottlieb said in a statement that her harassment allegations “have always been the beating heart of Ms. Lively’s case.” Meanwhile, Baldoni’s attorneys said they were “very pleased” with the court’s decision. Now, both sides head toward a May 18 trial date.
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