Blake Lively Vows to Continue Legal Battle as Federal Judge Narrows Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni

Federal judge narrows Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. Retaliation claims proceed to trial as harassment charges are dismissed. Details here.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 5, 2026, 12:39 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from NBC News

The Judicial Narrowing of a 152-Page Ruling

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman issued an extensive 152-page ruling that significantly altered the trajectory of the legal conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The judge tossed out the majority of Lively’s claims, specifically those regarding sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. The dismissal of the harassment claims was based largely on a legal distinction: the court ruled that Lively could not pursue these under federal civil rights law because she was classified as an independent contractor during the production of It Ends With Us, rather than a formal employee.

Lively’s Focus on the "Beating Heart" of the Case

Despite the dismissal of the harassment charges, Lively issued a defiant statement via Instagram on Friday, April 3, expressing gratitude that the case is moving toward a public trial. She emphasized that the "beating heart" of her lawsuit has always been the retaliation she allegedly faced after requesting a safer working environment. Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, clarified that the court’s decision to allow the retaliation and breach of contract claims to proceed serves as evidence that his client provided enough merit to face a jury. Lively used her platform to speak out against what she termed "digital warfare" and the "physical pain from digital violence," framing her fight as an effort to expose systems that silence victims.

The Defense's Strategic Victory on Harassment Claims

Attorneys representing Justin Baldoni, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to narrow the case. In a joint statement, they noted they were "pleased" that the sexual harassment allegations were dismissed after a "careful review of the facts, law, and voluminous evidence." While Baldoni’s team must still defend against the remaining three claims, they maintain that the case has been significantly weakened. They signaled their readiness to present a defense against the retaliation and contract-related charges when the trial commences in Manhattan next month.