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Blake Lively could become Hollywood’s persona non grata after the latest blow in her sexual harassment case against “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni.
Brand specialist Kayley Cornelius exclusively spoke with Page Six after a judge tossed the actress’ sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy claims against Baldoni in the headline-making legal face-off.
“It does look like a challenging path lies ahead for Blake Lively,” Cornelis said. “There is a real risk she could start to feel pushed out of the industry and struggle to secure major roles or brand deals going forward.”
According to the PR maven, the fast-paced film industry can easily move on from Lively’s talents.
“The film industry is now incredibly fast-moving and competitive, and it often feels like a revolving door,” she said. “As one star’s momentum dips, there’s now a whole new wave of new talent ready to take their place.”
Studios are looking for the best talent to capture broader audiences at a time when the public is “more reactive than ever,” she explained.
“With the impact of cancel culture and increased scrutiny, there is less appetite to take risks on talent who may be seen as controversial or commercially uncertain,” Cornelius said. “That means even legacy names such as Blake are no longer untouchable and guaranteed the security they once had.
“So it’s entirely possible that Blake could face tougher competition for upcoming roles, with studios potentially favoring newer talent.”
We’re told the latest update in Lively’s case against Baldoni is a “major turning point” for her reputation.
“When claims as significant as sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy are dismissed, it inevitably has a lasting impact on public perception,” she said. “At this level, reputational damage can be very difficult to fully recover from, and it’s likely that Blake’s public image won’t return to what it once was unless there is a major legal breakthrough in her favor further down the line.”
As for how Lively should navigate her next move, Cornelius said she should stand her ground.
“If she’s looking to prove a point and stand firmly behind her allegations, this is arguably a battle she needs to see through to the end,” she said. “Stepping back or settling too early could be perceived by the public as a sign of doubt, or even guilt, which would only reinforce the narrative now forming around her.”
However, a settlement could become a “smart” option if her messy court battle continues to further damage her image.
“Prolonged legal battles keep the story in the headlines and allow scrutiny to build over time, which can be incredibly damaging in itself,” she said. “If the case becomes more complex or unpredictable, a settlement could still be a smart move from a damage limitation perspective, even if it does not fully vindicate her position.
“It would also give her the chance to step back, reset and carefully phase a return to the spotlight. Realistically speaking though, it will be the success or failure of her next major project that determines what the future of her career looks like.”
Attorney Gregory Doll believes there is a chance Lively may opt for a settlement.
“Lively has no claims left against Baldoni. She now only has claims left against the various business entities involved,” the legal eagle said. “So Justin is no longer threatened by any personal liability. I think the odds of settlement went up significantly.”
Lively’s main goal in moving forward in court would be to attempt to prove that she suffered reputational harm as a result of a PR campaign blitz by Baldoni, Doll said.
“She has a difficult road ahead,” Doll shared.
As for Baldoni, this latest ruling is a “clear reputational boost,” Cornelius said.
“Having major claims dismissed gives him a stronger footing in the court of public opinion and allows him to reposition himself more confidently,” she said. “It doesn’t mean he is completely in the clear in the public’s eyes yet, but it does shift the balance in his favour and gives him an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen his image from this point out.”
As Page Six reported, Judge Lewis J. Liman hit the “Gossip Girl” alum with a legal slapdown by tossing 10 of Lively’s 13 claims against Baldoni.
Lively can still move forward with her claims of breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting in retaliation.
While sources told Page Six Hollywood that the judge clearly wants the stars to settle outside of court, Lively confirmed she plans to move forward with court proceedings in May.
“She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight,” her lawyer told us in a statement.
“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 because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial…,” her lawyer continued.
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“For Blake Lively, 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.”
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s legal team said they are “very pleased” that Lively’s sexual harassment claims were dismissed.
“These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided,” Baldoni’s lawyer said in a statement, adding, “What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.”
Lively, 38, and Baldoni, 42, were co-stars in the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s book of the same name.
While promoting the film, which centers on themes of domestic violence, Lively was hit with backlash after being criticized for promoting the film in a tone-deaf manner.
When the film premiered that summer, rumors swirled that Lively and Baldoni, the film’s director, were beefing.
Several sources at the time told Page Six that Lively and Baldoni, who played each other’s love interests in the movie, did not get along on set.
In December of that year, Lively sued Baldoni for on-set sexual harassment and retaliation —prompting Baldoni to hit back with a $400 million countersuit against her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The countersuit was thrown out by the judge last June.
Lively and the “Jane the Virgin” star are set to appear back in court on May 18.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
English (US)