A federal judge has ruled against actress Blake Lively’s sexual harassment allegations in her legal battle against actor and director Justin Baldoni, significantly narrowing the focus of their dispute over the filming of their 2024 romantic film “It Ends With Us.”
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman issued a comprehensive 152-page decision following over a year of contentious legal proceedings surrounding the movie, where Lively and Baldoni shared the screen with Baldoni also serving as the director. Lively’s attorney Esra Hudson contended during a January court session that Baldoni had repeatedly crossed lines by introducing unnecessary sexual elements not in the original script.
Hudson claimed instances such as a dance routine where Baldoni intimately interacted with Lively without her consent and a scene where Lively’s character was depicted in a vulnerable situation, pressured to wear minimal clothing and simulate nudity. Judge Liman remarked that Baldoni’s alleged actions seemed to be aimed at Lively’s character within the scene rather than directly at Lively herself.
The judge emphasized the importance of creative freedom for artists to experiment within the boundaries of an agreed script without being exposed to accusations of sexual harassment. Liman noted that Lively still has the opportunity to present evidence to a jury that Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against her following her complaints about misconduct on set.
Lively’s legal team expressed her eagerness to testify and shed light on the actions taken to tarnish her reputation after she raised safety concerns during filming. Baldoni’s lawyers welcomed the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims against their client and other parties involved, including Wayfarer’s CEO Jamey Heath, all of whom have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
The ongoing legal dispute, set to proceed to trial on May 18, now primarily focuses on allegations of retaliation and breach of contract against Wayfarer Studios and the film development company, along with a claim against the crisis PR firm engaged by Wayfarer, The Agency Group PR.
The case has garnered significant attention within the entertainment industry, drawing involvement from prominent figures like singer Taylor Swift, model Gigi Hadid, and actor Hugh Jackman, who Lively suggests may possess information supporting her assertions.
Despite the dismissal of the sexual harassment claims, Lively’s accusations of mistreatment may resurface as she pursues her retaliation claim. The legal battle commenced in 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and others, seeking damages for alleged harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy, and violations of civil rights laws.
The movie “It Ends With Us” featured Lively as a florist who ties the knot with a neurosurgeon portrayed by Baldoni. The plot unfolds with the neurosurgeon turning abusive, triggering memories of Lively’s character’s troubled parental relationship, ultimately leading to the disintegration of the marriage after reconnecting with her first love. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film amassed over $351 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo.