The written ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman in Manhattan came after Lively, who starred in and produced the film, sued her co-star and director in December 2024. A trial is scheduled for May 18.

Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios had countersued Lively and her husband, “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The judge dismissed Baldoni’s claims last June.

In his ruling, Liman determined that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee. On that basis, he said she was not entitled to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That law prohibits employment discrimination on various grounds, including gender.

As to retaliation, the judge said some evidence might enable a jury to conclude that Baldoni's production company planned not only to damage Lively's reputation but to destroy her career amid fear she'd file a discrimination claim. Lively alleges a smear campaign has been “devastating for her reputation and career,” the judge noted.

In an analysis of the sexual harassment claims, the judge said Lively's claims had to be viewed in the context of the movie they were working on.

“Lively claims that during filming, Baldoni leaned in and gestured as if he was intending to kiss her, and that he kissed her forehead, rubbed his face and mouth against her neck, put his thumb to her mouth and flicked her lower lip, caressed her, and leaned into her neck, saying ‘it smells good,’” the judge wrote.

He said there was no question that the conduct would support a hostile work environment claim if it happened on a factory floor or in an executive suite.

However, the judge noted, Baldoni was “acting in the scene” and his "conduct was not so far beyond what might reasonably be expected to take place between two characters during a slow dancing scene such that an inference of hostile treatment on the basis of sex would arise. At least in isolation, the conduct was directed to Lively’s character rather than to Lively herself.”

Liman added: “Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment.”

Despite those findings, the judge said some sexual harassment claims may be put to a jury to support two retaliation claims that survived the ruling, including one against It Ends With Us Movie LLC and Wayfarer Studios, and a third claim that was left intact alleging breach of a contract rider agreement against It Ends With Us Movie LLC.

The judge noted that Baldoni once said “pretty hot” after asking Lively to remove her jacket, exposing a lace bra underneath, and that when he was warned that it was inappropriate and distracting to make such comment, he allegedly rolled his eyes and responded: “Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training.”

Liman also cited a scene in which Baldoni pushed for Lively to perform a birth scene naked and then the scene was filmed over several hours without the set being closed to nonessential personnel.

In a statement, Lively attorney Sigrid McCawley wrote that Lively “looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it become easier to detect and fight.”

She added: “This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting 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.”

A lawyer for Baldoni and his production company did not immediately comment.

“It Ends With Us,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel that begins as a romance but takes a dark turn into domestic violence, was released in August 2024, exceeding box office expectations with a $50 million debut. But the movie’s release was shrouded by speculation over discord between Lively and Baldoni.

Lively appeared in the 2005 film “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the TV series “Gossip Girl” from 2007 to 2012 before starring in films including “The Town” and “The Shallows.”

Baldoni starred in the TV comedy “Jane the Virgin,” directed the 2019 film “Five Feet Apart” and wrote “Man Enough,” a book challenging traditional notions of masculinity.

The contributions were directed to Republican fundraising platforms, including WinRed , Never Surrender Inc., and the Trump National Committee JFC. Individual amounts ranged from $3.50 to $180, with the largest going to Trump National Committee JFC. These records, first highlighted by MeidasTouch and corroborated by multiple outlets, surfaced amid fan speculation on social media platforms like Threads.

The donations came to light after users captured a screenshot of Thomas's Instagram account sharing a debunked conspiracy theory claiming Michelle Obama, a prominent advocate for transgender rights and LGBTQ+ visibility, is a transgender man who registered to vote in Illinois in 1994. The post was quickly deleted, but it fueled accusations of MAGA ties, especially as Thomas's Instagram and Twitter follows included conservative figures like Donald Trump Jr., Newsmax, Tomi Lahren, Byron Donalds, and Dean Cain.

In response, Thomas posted a statement on Instagram clarifying her political stance. “I WANT TO BE CLEAR: I am not MAGA and do not support any of the many policies that are causing great harm to the American people. I made a mistake too many make: I did not read the fine print…I thought I was supporting causes against human trafficking and for veterans,” she wrote. She added, “Two things I care deeply about as my dad is a veteran and everyone knows I love children. I have learned a valuable lesson and ask for grace as I navigate this.” TLC's publicist has not yet responded to requests for further comment, though the group recently performed at the iHeartRadio Music Awards with Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue and is preparing for the summer "It’s Iconic Tour."

This is not the first time Thomas has drawn criticism for her views. In a 2017 Channel 4 News interview, she stated, "For me, all lives matter," in response to questions about the Black Lives Matter movement, a phrase often critiqued for overshadowing racial justice issues. The current backlash has divided fans, with some expressing skepticism despite her denial, while others urge grace. Social media reactions highlight concerns over celebrity influence on political narratives, particularly those intersecting with misinformation targeting transgender public figures like Michelle Obama, who has championed LGBTQ+ causes through initiatives like Partnership for a Healthier America.

LGBTQ+ advocates have not issued formal statements on this specific incident, but the reposted conspiracy amplifies ongoing harms from anti-transgender rhetoric, which organizations like GLAAD note contributes to broader discrimination. Thomas's history of donations aligns with a pattern among some celebrities supporting Trump, though she joins others in public retractions. The event underscores tensions between personal politics and public personas in the entertainment industry, especially as TLC continues touring. As of March 28, 2026, fan discussions persist online, with no further updates from Thomas.

Although some have been more prolific than others, we can’t help but applaud those who went from the closet within the house of mouse to the center stage in Hollywood. 

Dove Cameron: Liv and Maddie / Descendants

Dove Cameron became a Disney Channel staple playing dual roles on “Liv and Maddie” before leading the wildly popular “Descendants” franchise. Since coming out as queer in 2020, she’s evolved from a child star to embrace a more mature, expressive identity in both her music and public persona. It goes to prove that Disney can raise them but, after that, they’re on their own. And Dove is doing just fine. 



Joshua Bassett: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

No one else could have rebooted “High School Musical” like Joshua Bassett. He recaptured a heartthrob energy that Zac Ephron created for the original movies. But it’s his real-life vulnerability and openness about fluidity that’s resonated with fans beyond the Mouse. His journey to adulthood is playing out in the public eye and we are loving every step. When he looks into the camera and speaks on Instagram it’s like he’s your best friend.



Raven-Symoné: That’s So Raven

A legacy Disney star, Raven- Symoné who blew up the channel with her starring role in “That’s So Raven.” Her comic timing was masterclass for a kid her age; it spoke to her peers but also adults who could appreciate her talent. She was a Disney superstar in every sense of the word. Now as a grown woman she has shed that kid-friendly persona and become an edgy and outspoken voice for the queer community. Her stint on “The View” proved that the brilliance she showed on her sitcom wasn’t a fluke, there was intelligence and intention behind it all. 



Auliʻi Cravalho: Moana

Disney hates controversy and even though “Moana” came out in 2016, they might have frowned upon its voice acting lead Auliʻi Cravalho coming out at the same time. Millions of dollars later, she did just that in 2020, and she didn’t lose the keys to the castle. Since then, her advocacy and openness have made her an inspiring figure beyond the screen. She explains in pink news that she was getting offered a lot of queer roles after coming out as bisexual. That was fine, “But don’t just show us in the light of ‘my sexuality is this burden’, because it’s not. It is so joyful.”



Luke Evans: Beauty and the Beast

Here’s a twist, an adult gay Disney star who’s been out since the beginning of his career and starred in one of the most successful live action remakes of the studio’s animated classics. In “Beaty and the Beast” Evans brought swagger and menace to Gaston, its narcissistic womanizing villain. It might have been against type but if Disney does anything well it keeps kids entertained while keeping adults in on the joke. Evans has carved out a space as a leading man who never hid who he is—something that still feels quietly revolutionary in Hollywood.

Podcasts are the evolution of that kind of programming but now they cater to everybody. Whether your interest is drag, queer politics or pop culture that content is only a play button away.  Let’s look at some of these audio entertainers who put the talk back in talk show. 

Bowen Yang & Matt Rogers – Las Culturistas

Like a good cocktail Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have the right chemistry that goes down easy but packs a satisfying punch. Las Culturistas is pop culture goss that leaves no topic unturned. It’s tea without cream and sugar; bold and to the point. They talk as if your in their friend group and taking part in their conversation. It’s Yang and Roger’s world and we’re just living in it. 



Trixie Mattel & Katya Zamolodchikova – The Bald and the Beautiful

Perhaps the biggest star to graduate from “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” is Trixie Mattel. She become a brand who uses social media in all its forms to make her bag. And if you didn’t know, her bestie Katya Zamolodchikov has been along for the ride from the start. Their podcast “The Bald and the Beautiful” is a hilarious blend of pop culture, personal anecdotes and behind the scenes tea about the industry. They deliver honesty, and just enough chaos to keep you hooked—like sleepover conversations that spiral into manic rants.



Jessica Yellin – News Not Noise

Remember when CNN introduced their breaking news scrawl at the bottom of the TV screen? It was a shortened easy to read story giving just enough info to allow people to be informed without a long explanation. Some people had a fit about it, they didn’t want text taking up screen real estate. Jessica Yellin might be the human equivalent to that. She’s a grounded listen, and offers clear, digestible breakdowns of major headlines without the usual cable-news panic. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and clarity, it’s a refreshing, thoughtful take on staying informed.



Jameela Jamil – I Weigh

The great thing about podcasts is that they remain streaming even after the final episode. Such is the case for Jameela Jamil’s “I Weigh” which unplugged its microphone in 2025. But just because the show has gone dark doesn’t mean you can’t listen to reruns. It explores identity, mental health, and social pressure through candid conversations. Jameela Jamil brings a progressive, inclusive lens that resonates deeply with LGBTQ+ listeners looking for something more introspective.



Ashley Gavin “We’re Having Gay Sex” 

There’s no syrup in Ashley Gavin’s punchlines; you get nothing to help the honesty go down smoothly and we wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s loud, chaotic, and very online—in the best way. Her guests spread across the LGBTQ spectrum to talk about sex, relationships, and identity with zero filter. “We’re Having Gay Sex” has built a huge following probably because of its honesty. It feels like you’re getting the scoop on things you didn’t know you were interested in. It’s edgy, funny, and unapologetically queer.