In a significant legal blow to Blake Lively, a judge has dismissed her claims of fat-shaming and sexual harassment against Justin Baldoni, delivering a pre-trial victory for the It Ends With Us co-star. The judge ruled that Lively’s allegations were not sufficient to support a valid claim, leaving her with just three remaining accusations to pursue: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation.
This ruling comes after a long-running legal battle that began in December 2024, and it marks a major shift in the case ahead of the trial scheduled for May 18, 2026, in New York City. Lively’s initial claims, which included accusations of unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate behavior on set, were thrown out, severely weakening her position in the case.
Judge’s Ruling: Fat-Shaming and Harassment Claims Dismissed
In his ruling, Judge Lewis Liman made it clear that Lively’s allegations of fat-shaming—specifically, her claim that Baldoni asked her personal trainer about her weight—“could not reasonably support a claim.” Additionally, the sexual harassment claims were dismissed due to Lively’s status as an independent contractor rather than an employee, which the judge noted had implications for the legal application of the claims.
A somber looking Lively is seen arriving at court on February 11 2026
The It Ends With us co-stars have been locked in legal drama since December 2024 – but Judge Lewis Liman’s decision today means the actress, 39, has only three claims left to argue
For Lively, the decision has significantly pared down the case she had hoped to present in court. The judge’s detailed ruling explained that several of Lively’s complaints, including claims of being kissed without consent during filming and being shown a video of Baldoni’s wife giving birth, did not meet the threshold for a hostile work environment or sexual harassment.
The judge ruled that her fat-shaming claim – stemming from Baldoni allegedly asking her personal trainer about her weight before filming, a question that later reached her – could ‘not reasonably support a claim’; (pictured 2025)
The Remaining Claims and Future of the Lawsuit
While the dismissal of the fat-shaming and harassment claims is a significant setback for Lively, her legal team is holding firm on the remaining accusations. Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, emphasized that the case is still focused on what she describes as devastating retaliation against Lively for standing up for safety on set.
“Blake Lively’s greatest measure of justice is that those behind these coordinated digital attacks against her have been exposed and are being held accountable,” McCawley said in a statement. “She looks forward to testifying in court to continue bringing attention to this type of online retaliation.”
A Long Road Ahead for Both Parties
Despite the ruling, Lively’s case is far from over. As Baldoni’s legal team celebrated the dismissal of the harassment claims, they acknowledged that Lively still has three claims to pursue. Baldoni’s attorneys expressed relief, noting that the court’s decision to dismiss the sexual harassment accusations was a major victory. “We are grateful to the court for its careful review of the facts and evidence,” said Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, representing Baldoni.
However, the remaining retaliation claims could still make for a complicated trial, with both sides bracing for what lies ahead. The jury will have to decide whether Lively’s accusations of retaliation for standing up about set conditions are valid.
What’s Next for Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?
As this legal drama continues, both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively will likely remain in the public eye, with the trial set to unfold in a few weeks. For Baldoni, this ruling brings him a significant pre-trial win, but the coming months will reveal how the remaining claims play out in court.
The case, which has garnered widespread media attention, has also highlighted the often-tumultuous behind-the-scenes dynamics of Hollywood productions. Whether Lively can prove retaliation in court remains to be seen, but this recent ruling certainly tips the scales in Baldoni’s favor as they prepare for the trial.
Stay tuned as this legal saga continues to unfold—both stars are set to face off in court, and the outcome could reshape their careers and the industry’s approach to workplace conduct.
