Just when headlines featuring Blake Lively’s name pitted against Justin Baldoni’s were starting to die down, the drama is back in the news rotation as their court date finally arrives. In a huge blow to Lively’s camp, a federal judge threw out 10 of her 13 claims, including claims of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. Unsurprisingly, insiders close to the mother-of-four are revealing that the entire ordeal has been “emotionally taxing” for her. Keep reading for more information.
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Judge Dismisses Blake Lively's Harassment Claims
Ahead of their May 2026 trial, the scope of the lawsuit has gotten a lot narrower. Blake Lively's legal team came in hot with 13 allegations, but nearly all of them were dismissed, largely because Lively was an independent contractor and not an employee. The key here, and what Lively's team has already pointed out, is that Judge Lewis Liman didn't rule that the allegations were false, rather most just weren't legally viable under employment law.
While Baldoni's team is likely celebrating—now only having to fight against claims of breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation—, Lively's team is scrambling to rebuild her case ahead of the trial. In a statement released to People, Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively's legal team, said that the sexual harassment claims dismissal was "not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee."
"This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting [sic] retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial," the statement concludes.
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In a lengthy statement posted to her own Instagram account, Lively share her perspective on the situation. "Don't be distracted by the digital soap opera," her statement says in part. "The constant packaging of this lawsuit as a 'Celebrity Drama' is not only irresponsible, but it is by design: to keep you from seeing yourselves in my story."
"The physical pain from digital violence is very real," she continued. "It is abuse. And it's everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools."
To close out her statement, she promised, "I will never stop doing my part in fighting to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence, and retaliate against victims. I know it's a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going."
'Emotionally Taxing' Ordeal For Blake Lively
While Lively puts up a strong front, insiders close to her have revealed that the entire ordeal has been "emotionally taxing."
"She didn't file this lawsuit thinking it would be easy," the insider explained. "She knew it would be a long, challenging process, but she felt it was something she needed to do. The legal battle has been emotionally taxing, but Blake has stayed focused."
The source continued, adding that her allegations have "never changed and she's looking forward to her day in court. She's balancing this with all her responsibilities at home. As a mom, she has many other priorities which help her stay grounded."
