California judge dismisses Blake Lively’s main claims against Justin Baldoni
The war of words continues in one of the most high-profile celebrity cases in recent times. Blake Lively’s accusations of improper conduct against Justin Baldoni have largely stalled, as Judge Lewis Liman, who is heading the trial, has dismissed most of Lively’s accusations. Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit for defamation, along with Lively’s claims of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy, were among several rejected.
Background
Following the release of It Ends With Us, fans noted that Baldoni kept his distance from Lively at the film’s premiere. Commentators attributed this to the actress promoting her personal brand during the promotional tour, which many deemed inappropriate given the movie’s context.
Following the backlash, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, cultivating a hostile working environment, and retaliation when she aired her grievances. However, the actor responded by publishing materials to dispute her claims, leading to greater public support for him and increased public disapproval of Lively.
Public Response
Social media has, of course, chipped in with its opinions, with some calling it a win for the director: “Hopefully this means never hearing about either of them ever again”. Others were incredibly supportive of Baldoni: “I will be supporting Justin in all his endeavors going forward. Justin and his production company were cruelly and unfairly maligned by Blake with her lies and false allegations.” While another added: “Blake Lively defenders live in a different reality.” However, in stark contrast, public support online for Lively is near to nonexistent, suggesting that regardless of the case’s outcome, she may struggle to recover.
Baldoni and Lively’s Response
In a statement, Lively’s legal team said: “One year ago, Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department to advocate for a safe workplace following experiences she and others had while working on the film It Ends With Us.”
“Over the past year, Blake has persevered against a billionaire-financed attempt to bury her, her family, and her businesses through retaliatory lawsuits and an aggressive media and digital campaign.”
“With their lawsuits thrown out and her claims set for trial in May, Ms. Lively is more determined than ever to expose the systems that operate behind the scenes to silence and discredit women who speak up.”
Baldoni’s attorneys responded to the decision in a statement: “We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni.”
The Legal Case
Most of Blake Lively’s claims, including sexual harassment, were dismissed on legal grounds, largely because she was considered an independent contractor rather than an employee under the statutes she cited. The case now rests on three main accusations: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation. Lively alleges he initiated a smear campaign against her, which she believes damaged her reputation and potential earnings.
Baldoni had also filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, which was dismissed. Following a failed mediation, the trial will begin in May and is expected to draw significant public and media attention.
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