Hollywood actress Blake Lively has launched a fierce legal counterattack against director and co-star Justin Baldoni, who is seeking to have her $161 million sexual harassment lawsuit thrown out of court. Lively argues that Baldoni's motion is a blatant attempt to evade responsibility for fostering a hostile work environment.
Allegations of a 'Scheme' to Undermine Reputation
The dispute stems from the production of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, It Ends With Us. Lively, who stars in the film, alleges that after she raised concerns about alleged on-set misconduct, Baldoni and his team orchestrated a campaign to damage her professional standing.
In legal documents filed on Friday 5 December 2025, Lively's legal team stated that the Gossip Girl star deserves her 'day in court' and accused the defendants of abandoning their own policies by refusing to properly investigate her complaints. They contend that Baldoni is trying to 'avoid accountability' for the alleged hostile environment.
Baldoni's Defence and Industry Fallout
In response, Baldoni's lawyers have moved to dismiss the case, arguing that Lively cannot prove actionable sexual harassment under the law. They have stated their belief that no reasonable jury would find Baldoni guilty based on the presented evidence.
The bitter legal feud has cast a shadow over the film's release. Author Colleen Hoover has publicly expressed her sadness over the 'ugliness' of the situation, noting that the ongoing drama has unfortunately overshadowed the story she created.
A High-Stakes Legal Showdown
This case represents a significant and high-profile clash in the entertainment industry, highlighting ongoing issues around accountability and workplace culture. With $161 million in damages at stake, the outcome of Baldoni's motion to dismiss will be closely watched. Lively's firm stance indicates she is prepared for a protracted legal battle to have her allegations fully heard in a court of law.
