Overview
- Both sides rejected last-minute settlement proposals in a Monday call with a magistrate judge, so a Manhattan jury trial is set to start May 18.
- U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman on April 2 dismissed 10 of 13 claims — including sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy — based on jurisdiction and Lively’s status as an independent contractor, leaving three claims for trial.
- The jury will hear breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding-and-abetting retaliation, with the core dispute focused on an alleged coordinated online smear meant to damage Lively’s reputation.
- The judge said there is enough evidence for a jury to consider alleged efforts by Wayfarer parties to spread negative content about Lively, including references to a figure tied to technical capabilities cited in the ruling.
- Lively praised being able to present the “heart” of her case and warned about “digital violence,” while Baldoni’s lawyers welcomed the tossed harassment counts and emphasized the case’s narrowing; his $400 million countersuit was dismissed last year.