Actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a motion to dismiss the sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit brought by co-star Blake Lively, according to new court documents submitted this month in Los Angeles. The lawsuit seeks $161 million in damages tied to incidents allegedly occurring during the production of It Ends With Us. Baldoni’s filing comes weeks after his separate $400 million defamation case against Lively was effectively dismissed. The legal dispute now centers on whether Lively’s claims meet the legal threshold for harassment and retaliation. The motion could significantly shape the trajectory of the high-profile courtroom battle.
Main Legal Details
Court filings reviewed by Rolling Stone indicate that Justin Baldoni’s legal team argues Lively’s accusations do not constitute actionable sexual harassment under existing law. The defense maintains that the behavior described occurred within the context of a film set featuring intimate scenes and professional direction. Baldoni’s motion states that no reasonable jury could conclude wrongdoing based on the presented evidence.
A major foundation of the motion is the claim that Lively served as an independent contractor, not a direct employee. The defense asserts that this classification undermines her reliance on Title VII–based protections, which apply primarily to employees. Additionally, Baldoni’s team challenges the scope of Lively’s financial claims, noting that her damages request includes projected losses tied to her beverage brands Betty Buzz and Betty Booze.
Legal Reactions and Expert Commentary
Legal analysts observing the case say Baldoni’s strategy aligns with common Hollywood defense tactics involving on-set conduct. One entertainment law expert noted that independent contractor arguments are frequently used to narrow the legal standing of harassment claims.
Another industry attorney commented that the motion frames the dispute as a conflict over reputation management, not misconduct, positioning the case as a battle of narratives rather than clear legal violations. No official comment has been issued by Blake Lively’s legal team at this time.
What It Means Moving Forward
The motion marks a turning point in the escalating legal conflict and may limit the scope of Lively’s claims if the court accepts Baldoni’s classification arguments. The filing could influence how future disputes involving actors, directors, and independent contractors are evaluated, especially in cases involving sensitive on-set interactions. For Baldoni, the motion aims to reduce litigation risk and distance his professional reputation from the allegations.
What’s Next in the Legal Timeline
A hearing date to review Justin Baldoni’s dismissal motion has not yet been scheduled, but legal experts anticipate the case could proceed to ruling early next year. If the motion is denied, the lawsuit may move toward discovery and a potential trial. If granted, Lively’s claims could be dismissed entirely or significantly narrowed. Additional court filings from both parties are expected in the coming weeks.
Sources
Rolling Stone
Associated Press
Variety
Deadline
Los Angeles Superior Court Filing Records
