A judge has dismissed the majority of Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni related to their work on the film "It Ends With Us," according to multiple reports including Channel News Asia and The Guardian. Despite the dismissal, settlement conferences are scheduled for Monday as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
Lively’s agency, WME, has publicly expressed strong support for the actress, highlighting concerns over what they describe as covert digital takedown campaigns by Baldoni’s legal team, as reported by Hollywood Reporter and Variety. WME previously distanced itself from Baldoni amid the allegations but continues to back Lively as the case advances.
The lawsuit, which has been active for one and a half years, is headed toward a trial scheduled in New York City in six weeks, Deadline notes. Lively has vowed to continue her legal fight, urging the public to focus on the issue beyond the ensuing media narrative described as a “digital soap opera.”
Baldoni’s counsel has responded by praising their client and defendants as "very good people," emphasizing the narrowing of the claims by the judge, The Guardian reports. This response comes amid the court’s indication that Baldoni's camp's response tactics may have been overly aggressive.
Observers will be watching closely as the settlement discussions unfold on Monday and as preparations continue for the trial, which could further clarify the legal positions of both parties and impact industry discussions on harassment claims and public relations strategies in high-profile cases.
Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively
It Ends With Us
