Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Justin Baldoni Seeks Summary Judgment to Toss Blake Lively Harassment Case

The bid follows a Texas court’s jurisdictional dismissal of a related suit, with the New York case still headed toward a March 2026 trial.

Overview

  • Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties filed a 73-page summary-judgment motion arguing Lively’s allegations are a “litany of minor grievances” and that no reasonable juror could find harassment or retaliation.
  • The filing contends online criticism does not constitute an adverse employment action and asserts Lively functioned as an independent contractor, challenging her Title VII protections.
  • Defense exhibits include newly disclosed deleted-scene footage the lawyers say shows Lively initiating an unscripted kiss, which they argue undercuts aspects of her on-set claims.
  • Separately, a federal judge in Texas dismissed PR consultant Jed Wallace’s defamation suit against Lively for lack of personal jurisdiction, further narrowing the satellite litigation.
  • The S.D.N.Y. judge has not ruled on the motion or pending sealing requests; Lively seeks roughly $161.2 million in damages and the case is scheduled for trial in March 2026.