In a significant legal development, a federal judge in New York has dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni. The ruling comes just days before the trial is scheduled to start on May 18, 2024.
The judge determined that Lively, who filed the lawsuit in December 2024, was an independent contractor and thus not entitled to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. However, the court left intact two retaliation claims, allowing a jury to hear about some of Lively’s allegations.
During the proceedings, the judge noted that Baldoni’s conduct was directed toward Lively’s character in the scene rather than Lively herself. This distinction played a crucial role in the dismissal of the harassment claims.
Lively’s lawsuit included over a dozen claims, alleging a hostile work environment during the filming of the movie “It Ends With Us,” which grossed over $351 million worldwide after its release in August 2024.
In response to the ruling, Lively’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, stated that her client looks forward to testifying about the efforts made to destroy her reputation because she stood up for safety on the set.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims, stating, “What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense.” The judge had previously dismissed Baldoni’s defamation case against the New York Times last June.
Judge Lewis J. Liman emphasized the importance of creative freedom in artistic endeavors, stating, “Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment.” He also noted that it may be fair for an author or director to discuss personal experiences, including those related to sex, as part of the creative process.
The dispute became public when Lively filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the entertainment industry regarding workplace conduct.
As the trial approaches, both parties prepare for what is sure to be a closely watched legal battle, with significant implications for workplace rights in Hollywood.