Blake Lively Urges for Justin Baldoni Harassment Case to Proceed to Trial: 'This Is Not Just About Minor Annoyances'

Blake Livelys legal team has formally opposed Justin Baldonis motion for summary judgment, insisting that her sexual harassment and retaliation claims should move forward to trial. Livelys attorneys argue that the case is not merely about minor workplace disagreements, but about a harmful and hostile environment.

The trial is currently scheduled for March 2026 in New York. Baldonis lawyers had sought to dismiss the lawsuit in November, requesting that Judge Lewis J. Liman rule in their favor and prevent the trial from taking place.

In the filing submitted on December 4, Livelys lawyers countered Baldonis claims, stating, This is not, as Defendants claim, a story of minor annoyances fueled by creative differences, but instead one of a toxic work environment. They further accused Baldoni and associated parties of attempting to portray themselves as victims while casting Lively as the aggressor in order to evade responsibility for the alleged hostile conditions on the set of It Ends With Us.

Livelys team criticized Baldoni and co-defendants for trying to avoid trial, arguing that their strategies fail when weighed against the evidence supporting her claims of harassment and retaliation.

Previously, in their November motion, Baldonis lawyers contended that Livelys allegations were based on minor incidents and misunderstandings, claiming, No reasonable juror could find that the handful of comments and miscommunications Lively has cited amounts to sexual harassment, or that she experienced a negative employment action in any conventional sense.

Lively, 38, initiated the lawsuit in December 2024 against Baldoni, 41, and others, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, which Baldoni denies. A subsequent $400 million countersuit by Baldoni claiming extortion and defamation has been dismissed by the court.

Baldonis attorney, Bryan Freedman, emphasized that their focus remains on addressing Livelys claims and ensuring the facts are fully examined in court, stating that Baldoni is intent on being vindicated and having the truth revealed.

Lively has publicly expressed her commitment to advocating for womens rights and safety, reinforcing her determination to ensure that every womans story and dignity are protected.

Author: Connor Blake