Justin Baldoni seeks to dismiss Blake Lively’s $161M harassment suit
Justin Baldoni seeks to dismiss Blake Lively’s $161M harassment suit
Baldoni files a motion for summary judgment asking a judge to throw out the lawsuit, arguing no reasonable juror would find him guilty.
In a bid to avoid a courtroom showdown, Justin Baldoni on Wednesday filed a motion for summary judgment seeking to toss Blake Lively’s federal sexual harassment lawsuit. The filing argues that "no reasonable juror would find him guilty" and indicates Baldoni’s team wants the case dismissed before the trial scheduled for next March.
The motion contends that Lively’s allegations amount to a litany of "minor grievances" that should not form the basis for a federal trial. The filing frames the claims as insufficient to support liability at the summary-judgment stage.
Separately, the papers reference a contentious scene in which Lively has claimed Baldoni improvised a kiss; the defense contends there is no compelling basis for liability and that such claims should not derail the film's production storyline.
The filings signal an aggressive strategy to block the case from going to trial, a move that would clear the way for Baldoni’s legal fight while leaving Lively to pursue any remaining claims in other forums or contexts.
Next steps include a judge weighing the summary judgment motion ahead of the federal court’s scheduled trial in March, a decision that could reshape the ongoing dispute between the actors.
Cover image source: Justin Baldoni Files Motion Asking Judge to Throw Out Blake Lively's Case Against Him amid Ongoing Legal Battle 🔗
