Blake Lively, 38, set aside her ongoing legal challenges to celebrate Easter with her family on Sunday. She shared an Instagram Story featuring bunny-shaped scrambled eggs prepared for her four children, whom she shares with husband Ryan Reynolds, 49.
‘Momming always continues on,’ Lively captioned the post, adding emojis of a smiling face with hearts, a bunny, and a heart.
Recent Court Ruling
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan dismissed 10 of the 13 claims in Lively’s lawsuit against It Ends with Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, 42. The remaining claims—retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract—proceed to a tentative trial on May 18.
Sigrid McCawley, an attorney on Lively’s legal team, stated after the hearing: ‘This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation.’
McCawley emphasized that Lively faced targeting ‘because she stood up for safety on the set,’ adding that ‘the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted.’
She noted the sexual harassment claims were dismissed not due to lack of wrongdoing but because the court ruled Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee. McCawley said Lively looks forward to testifying at trial to highlight ‘this vicious form of online retaliation.’
Lively’s Statement
In a Friday social media statement, Lively expressed gratitude for the ruling: ‘I am grateful for the court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial.’
She explained her reluctance to sue but necessity due to ‘pervasive RETALIATION’ after requesting a safe working environment on set: ‘The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced.’
Lively highlighted her pride in exposing harmful systems: ‘So much critical work has already been done to expose systems, tactics and players who harm. The work to create more safety… will continue far after this trial is over.’
She acknowledged predecessors who paved the way: ‘I couldn’t begin to stand up if not for the countless who’ve gone before me… I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going.’
Baldoni’s Legal Team Response
Baldoni’s attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, expressed satisfaction: ‘We are very pleased the court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants.’
They appreciated the court’s review of ‘facts, law and voluminous evidence’ and anticipate defending the narrowed case in court.
Case Background
The dispute began in December 2024 when Lively sued Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment—including body shaming—and a retaliatory smear campaign. She also named Wayfarer Studios, its CEO, financial backer, and PR personnel.
Baldoni countersued in January 2025 for $400 million, targeting Lively, Reynolds, and her publicist over a New York Times report he deemed defamatory. That suit was dismissed last June.
All parties deny the allegations.
Film and Careers
It Ends with Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, grossed $148 million domestically and $350 million worldwide. It stars Lively as Lily Bloom in a toxic romance with Baldoni’s Ryle Kincaid, alongside Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, and Kevin McKidd.
Lively rose to fame as Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl (2007-2012) and starred in films like The Town (2010), The Shallows (2016), A Simple Favor (2018), and The Rhythm Section (2020).
Baldoni is known for Rafael Solano on Jane the Virgin (2014-2019), directing Five Feet Apart (2019) and Clouds (2020), and authoring Man Enough (2021).
