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Blake Lively vows to press on after judge dismisses most claims against Justin Baldoni

A Manhattan judge dismissed most counts in Blake Lively's lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni, but three claims will proceed to a jury trial on May 18 while Lively says she will continue to fight.

Apr 4th 2026 · United States

Insights

  • Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of 13 claims, including the original sexual harassment allegation, on jurisdictional and employment-status grounds.
  • The court found the case lacked sufficient connection to California and concluded Lively was an independent contractor not covered by Title VII.
  • Three claims remain for a jury trial in New York on May 18: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation.
  • Justin Baldoni's $400 million countersuit against Lively and Ryan Reynolds was previously dismissed.
  • Lively said she will continue the case, accused coordinated digital attacks, and is expected to testify; Baldoni has not commented.

Sources