Blake Lively urges judge to reject Justin Baldoni’s 'dismissal' attempt

Blake Lively has formally requested a federal judge to reject a dismissal attempt by Justin Baldoni as their legal dispute over the film It Ends With Us approaches a scheduled trial.

On Thursday, legal representatives for Lively submitted a letter to Judge Lewis J. Liman in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The filing argues that a recent ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit supports the continuation of her case, asserting that lawsuits should not be dismissed based on technicalities if substantial evidence has already been gathered.

The actress’s legal team maintains that the court should evaluate the case using existing evidence, including documents and testimony, rather than focusing solely on written allegations.

This move follows requests from Baldoni, 42, and other defendants for a summary judgment to avoid a full trial. This high-profile conflict began in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni, her director and co-star, of sexual harassment and retaliation. She is seeking damages exceeding $160 million.

Conversely, a $400 million countersuit filed by Baldoni, alleging extortion and defamation, was previously dismissed.

On 11 February, the parties engaged in a six-hour court-ordered mediation session with Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave, which concluded without a settlement. 

Both actors are expected to testify if the proceedings reach trial, which is currently slated for 18 May. Judge Liman has yet to issue a final ruling on the defendants’ request to throw out the claims.