&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: Actress reacts to dismissal of sexual harassment claims | 'Will never stop fighting'")
Hollywood star Blake Lively recently faced a huge defeat in the legal battle against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni after a US court dismissed a major portion of her sexual harassment claims.
While the dispute is still ongoing, the ruling, delivered by Judge Lewis Liman on April 3, dropped 10 of the 13 allegations brought by the actress, including sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. Now, the trial, which is slated to take place on May 18, will see three claims, including retaliation and breach of contract.
Lively reacts after the ruling
Taking to Instagram on April 4, the actress opened up about her determination to present her side of the story in court. "I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling, which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake," the statement read. "The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive retaliation I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others."
Trending Stories
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
As Russia pounds Ukraine, Kyiv grapples with a growing manpower shortage in the military | Gravitas
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
Mumbai court gives life sentences to 44 Somali pirates despite mercy plea
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
Heavy sanctions loom over Argentine players after ugly brawl following final whistle in World Cup final
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
Argentina's racism problem: How football chants reflect a deeper historical legacy
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
)
JD and Usha Vance welcome fourth child: Who serves as acting US vice president during Vance's paternity leave?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
)
US strikes Iran, sirens heard in Kuwait, one American soldier killed in Iraq: What's happening in West Asia
)
'Could be bombed at any moment': What Iran's Araghchi told Trump envoy Witkoff during negotiations
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
4 Indians killed, 1 in critical condition after attack on ship at Ukrainian port
)
US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
UEFA head Aleksander Ceferin boycotts World Cup final in protest against FIFA
)
CORTIS' first-ever concert sparks backlash over repeated songs and short setlist
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
US-Iran conflicts: Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran attacks MQ-9 drone hangar | Gravitas
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Spain World Cup victory parade in Madrid: Champions celebrate second FIFA World Cup title with over million fans
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
She has accused Baldoni and his associates of orchestrating a digital smear campaign after she raised concerns about alleged misconduct during the film’s production. "My claims won’t be the first or last time you’ll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare. And it often won’t be directed at celebrities or those who may be able to speak up," her statement further read.
What was the reason behind the dismissal?
As per the court, Lively could not pursue sexual harassment claims under federal law because she was working as an independent contractor rather than an employee. The judge also ruled that California harassment laws were not applicable, as the project was filmed in New Jersey. Lively’s legal team, led by attorney Mike Gottlieb, argued that "Blake Lively provided evidence to go to trial on her core claims…she spoke out against what she believed was sexual harassment on the set, and suffered retaliation that harmed her reputation as a result."
Also Read: Blake Lively Vs Justin Baldoni: It Ends With Us stars' private voice memo unsealed amid legal battle
She also urged people in her statement not to dismiss the case as a mere celebrity controversy.
About the case
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, welcomed the dismissal, saying that "the defendants were not afraid of the truth." Originally filed in December 2024, the lawsuit also names executives from Wayfarer Studios and associated PR teams. Several other high-profile figures, including Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds and singer Taylor Swift, have been mentioned in the case.
Despite the setback, Lively has made it clear that she will not stop fighting.
