A federal judge dismissed 10 of 13 claims Blake Lively filed against Justin Baldoni, but her legal team confirms she will testify at trial to expose what they call a “vicious form of online retaliation” linked to their “It Ends with Us” set conflict, with the case now focused on breach of contract and FEHA retaliation claims.
In a pivotal ruling on April 2, 2026, Federal Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 claims in Blake Lively’s high-profile lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, significantly narrowing the scope of the case ahead of the scheduled May 18 trial. The dismissed claims included allegations of harassment, defamation, and conspiracy, while the remaining claims center on breach of contract and a FEHA retaliation claim against Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios. This decision, reported by AOL, marks a critical juncture in a legal battle that has captivated the entertainment industry and sparked widespread debate about power dynamics and reputational warfare in the #MeToo era.
Despite the dismissal of most claims, Blake Lively’s legal team issued a resolute statement through attorney Sigrid McCawley, emphasizing that the core of the case—alleged retaliation for speaking up about set safety—remains intact. “For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted,” McCawley said, as detailed in the original People report. Lively “looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.” This defiant stance underscores Lively’s commitment to a public trial, where her firsthand account could set a precedent for how digital smear campaigns are addressed in future legal contexts.
The Legal Battle: From Set Conflict to Courtroom Showdown
The origins of this dispute trace back to December 2024, when Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, alleging misconduct during the production of their 2024 film “It Ends with Us,” adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The complaint, which AOL reported at the time, described a behind-the-scenes environment that deteriorated into what Lively’s team calls a retaliatory smear campaign. Baldoni has consistently denied all allegations, countering with his own claims against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, which included accusations of extortion and defamation.
However, Judge Liman dismissed Baldoni’s counterclaims in June 2025, and his legal team subsequently opted not to refile amended versions, as noted in AOL’s coverage. This series of rulings has progressively narrowed the battlefield to the retaliation allegations tied to Wayfarer Studios. A court-mandated settlement conference on February 11, 2026, ended without agreement, paving the way for a trial that both sides have indicated will feature live testimony from the principal actors.
Why This Ruling Matters Beyond the Celebrity Spotlight
The dismissal of harassment and defamation claims might seem like a setback for Lively, but her legal team frames the remaining breach of contract and retaliation claims as the heart of the matter. “Sexual harassment isn’t going forward not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee,” McCawley clarified. This distinction highlights a common legal hurdle in #MeToo cases involving non-employee plaintiffs, making the retaliation claim under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) a crucial avenue for justice.
For the entertainment industry, this case serves as a stark case study in how digital reputational attacks can escalate from private disputes to public legal warfare. The alleged “playbook” of coordinated online campaigns, referenced by Lively’s team, resonates with broader concerns about cyberbullying and reputation management in the age of social media. If Lively’s testimony successfully exposes these tactics, it could influence how studios and talent handle internal conflicts and public relations crises.
The Film’s Shadow: “It Ends with Us” and Its Fan Base
“It Ends with Us” was one of 2024’s most anticipated films, drawing from Colleen Hoover’s massive novel fan base. The off-screen drama between its lead actress and director has inevitably colored public perception of the project. While the film’s box office performance and critical reception are separate from the legal proceedings, the ongoing trial threatens to keep the production in headlines for reasons far removed from its artistic merits. Fans of the book and film have actively followed the case, with many expressing support for Lively and calling for accountability—a dynamic that adds public pressure on all parties involved.
The trial’s focus on contractual and retaliation issues means the narrative will shift from the initial harassment allegations to the business and ethical conduct of Wayfarer Studios. This could have lasting implications for how production companies structure deals and address safety concerns on set, particularly in an era where behind-the-scenes environments are under increased scrutiny.
What to Expect at the May 18 Trial
With both Lively and Baldoni expected to testify, the trial promises to be a dramatic, public airing of grievances. Key questions will include: What specific actions constituted retaliation? How did the “coordinated digital attacks” unfold, and who was involved? The breach of contract claim will likely delve into the terms of Lively’s involvement and whether Wayfarer Studios violated those terms.
Legal experts suggest that the narrowed claims may actually streamline the trial, allowing a clearer focus on the retaliation narrative. However, the absence of harassment and defamation claims could limit the scope of damages and public sympathy. The outcome will hinge on documentary evidence, witness credibility, and the jury’s perception of the “playbook” McCawley mentions.
For now, Blake Lively’s vow to testify signals her readiness to confront the allegations head-on, transforming the courtroom into a stage for her defense. As the May 18 trial date approaches, this case remains a defining moment for celebrity legal strategy and the ongoing cultural conversation about power, safety, and reputation in Hollywood.
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