Judge Throws Out Most of Blake Lively's Claims Against Justin Baldoni in NYC

Most of Blake Lively's claims against Justin Baldoni were thrown out by a judge. This is a big change from the original lawsuit filed in December.
By Newsroom | Law, Entertainment |

COURT DISCARDS MOST OF LIVELY'S ACCUSATIONS; FOCUS SHIFTS TO RETALIATION CLAIMS

A judge has dismissed the majority of sexual harassment claims brought forth by actor Blake Lively against her "It Ends With Us" co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. This legal maneuver significantly narrows the scope of the ongoing dispute, with a trial still slated for May 18 in New York City. The court's decision, made on April 3, marks a substantial development in the highly publicized legal battle.

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The core of Lively's case, as articulated by her legal team, now centers on claims of "devastating retaliation" and alleged efforts by the defendants to "destroy Blake Lively's reputation because she stood up for safety on the set." While specific details of the remaining claims are not fully elaborated, the focus has clearly shifted from the initial allegations of harassment to the purported consequences Lively faced for raising them.

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RESURFACED INTERVIEW UNDERSCORES BALDONI'S DEFENSE

Amidst these legal proceedings, a resurfaced interview clip appears to bolster Baldoni's counter-narrative. In the footage, Lively is seen appearing to "squirm" when questioned about an intimate on-set moment she herself initiated with Baldoni. This interaction, described as Baldoni leaning in, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, and caressing her, has been presented by Baldoni's legal team as evidence contrary to Lively's claims.

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"The video shows Mr Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character," Lively's team stated regarding the video, which they initially presented as "damning" for Baldoni. However, the context and Lively's apparent discomfort in the resurfaced interview now invite a different interpretation.

Lively initially filed a sexual harassment suit in December against Baldoni, his Wayfarer studio, and former PR representatives, alleging on-set sexual harassment and a coordinated smear campaign. Baldoni, in turn, filed a libel lawsuit against The New York Times for its reporting on Lively's allegations and later a countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist.

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Baldoni's legal strategy has included the launch of a website detailing his claims against Lively, which legal experts have noted as a strong defensive maneuver. This website reportedly features alleged communications between Lively and Baldoni, including text messages that form part of his amended complaint. Lively's legal team, however, maintains that the case will proceed to trial focusing on the alleged retaliation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did a judge dismiss most of Blake Lively's claims against Justin Baldoni on April 3?
The judge decided that most of the sexual harassment claims Lively made against Baldoni did not have enough evidence to go to trial. The case will now focus on other claims.
Q: What claims are still part of the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case?
The case will now focus on Lively's claims that she faced retaliation and that her reputation was hurt because she spoke up about safety on the movie set. The trial is still planned for May 18.
Q: What is the new video that has come out about Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
An old interview clip has reappeared. In it, Lively seems uncomfortable when asked about a moment on set with Baldoni. Baldoni's team is using this to argue against Lively's claims.
Q: What did Blake Lively originally accuse Justin Baldoni of?
Lively first sued Baldoni in December, saying he sexually harassed her on the set of 'It Ends With Us'. She also said he and others tried to damage her reputation.
Q: What has Justin Baldoni done in response to Blake Lively's lawsuit?
Baldoni has filed his own lawsuits, including one against The New York Times for its reporting. He also started a website to share his side of the story and has filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.