A federal judge has thrown out the sexual harassment claims at the center of Blake Lively's lawsuit against actor and director Justin Baldoni, dealing a significant blow to a high-profile legal battle that drew widespread attention across the entertainment industry. The ruling removes what had been among the most serious allegations in the case.

The lawsuit stemmed from the production and promotion of the 2024 film 'It Ends With Us,' in which both Lively and Baldoni starred. Lively had alleged a pattern of misconduct on and around the set, accusations that Baldoni and his representatives denied. The legal dispute escalated into one of the most closely watched celebrity lawsuits in recent memory.

The judge's decision to toss the harassment claims does not necessarily end the overall litigation. Other claims within the lawsuit may still move forward, and both sides are expected to continue the legal proceedings. The precise legal reasoning behind the dismissal has drawn scrutiny from attorneys and legal analysts following the case.

Baldoni had mounted a vigorous defense against the allegations, and his legal team characterized the harassment claims as legally insufficient. Lively's representatives have not yet indicated publicly whether they intend to appeal or refile any of the dismissed claims.

The case attracted unusually broad media coverage from the moment it was filed, partly due to the celebrity profiles of those involved and partly because it raised broader questions about workplace conduct in Hollywood. The outcome of the remaining claims is expected to be closely watched by the entertainment industry.