Judge Narrows Blake Lively’s Lawsuit, Leaves Retaliation Claims For Trial
Judge Lewis Liman dismissed most of Lively’s allegations but left three claims, including retaliation and breach of contract, for a civil trial set to begin on May 18.
CBS NewsJudge dismisses Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni
FOX NewsBlake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni tossed out by New York judge
BBC NewsJudge dismisses most of Blake Lively claims in harassment suit against Baldoni
ABC NewsJudge dismisses much of Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni
Overview
Judge Lewis Liman dismissed most of Blake Lively's claims against Justin Baldoni but left three claims, including retaliation and breach of contract, to proceed to trial set for May 18.
The ruling follows Lively's December 2024 complaint to the California Civil Rights Department and settlement talks between the parties.
Lively's legal team said the case centers on alleged online retaliation and her plan to testify, while Baldoni's lawyers said they were pleased the court dismissed sexual harassment claims.
Judge Liman's 152-page opinion found Lively was an independent contractor and dismissed 10 of 13 allegations, noting some conduct occurred in the context of filming.
The remaining claims include retaliation, breach of contract and aiding and abetting in retaliation and will be decided by a jury at the May 18 civil trial.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally, emphasizing the judge’s 152-page opinion and procedural facts while quoting both parties. They explain which claims were dismissed (including jurisdictional reasons), include statements from defendants’ lawyers and Lively’s counsel, and note unsealed exhibits involving other celebrities as factual context without loaded language or speculation.