NEW YORK — A federal judge recently dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni related to their film “It Ends With Us.” However, three claims remain, including retaliation, which means a jury will still review many allegations. A trial is set for May 18.
Lively, who acted in and produced the film, filed her lawsuit in December 2024. Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios, countered with a lawsuit accusing Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion. The judge dismissed Baldoni’s claims last June.
The ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman found that Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee, so she couldn’t bring her harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects against employment discrimination.
Despite this, the judge noted there is some evidence that Baldoni’s production company might have tried to harm Lively’s career. She claims the negative attention has “devastated” her reputation. The judge pointed out that Lively’s claims should be seen in light of the context of the film.
In his analysis of the harassment claims, the judge highlighted that Lively alleged Baldoni engaged in behavior that could create a hostile work environment. He described instances where Baldoni leaned in toward her and made physical gestures that could be considered inappropriate.
However, Liman also stressed that Baldoni was “acting in the scene” and suggested that his behavior didn’t cross the line when compared to what might typically happen during filming. He argued that creative professionals should have some leeway to perform their roles without being liable for harassment.
Nevertheless, the judge did leave space for a jury to consider some harassment claims in the context of the retaliation claims, which are serious and could reflect poorly on Baldoni and his studio.
Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, expressed confidence in Lively’s case, stating it’s about exposing the retaliation against her for advocating for safety on set.
The film “It Ends With Us” was released in August 2024 and has become a box office success, grossing $50 million within its opening weekend. The movie, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, begins as a romance but shifts into a dark narrative about domestic violence.
Public reactions on social media have ranged from support for Lively to skepticism about celebrity culture and its impact on workplace safety. Many users are discussing the need for better protections against harassment in the entertainment industry, a sentiment echoed by commentators and experts.
In light of these events, conversations around workplace safety, harassment, and retaliation continue to grow. According to a recent study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, nearly 75% of women in the entertainment industry report experiencing some form of harassment. This underlines the pressing need for change in Hollywood and beyond.
As this case progresses, the spotlight on such issues may lead to greater awareness and reforms within the industry.
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