Overview
- Judge Lewis J. Liman on Thursday dismissed 10 of 13 claims, including sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy.
- Three claims now proceed to a May 18 jury trial in Manhattan: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding‑and‑abetting retaliation.
- The court found Lively was an independent contractor, which blocked key federal harassment claims, and said California laws could not apply because filming occurred in New Jersey.
- The judge wrote that some alleged on‑set conduct can still be weighed under the retaliation theory, noting certain actions “at least arguably crossed the line.”
- Baldoni’s lawyers praised the dismissals, while Lively’s team said the case centers on an alleged coordinated online smear that a jury will hear next month.