Justin Baldoni Aims to Toss Blake Lively Suit, Saying Claims Amount to ‘Minor Grievances’ - Variety
Blake Lively Sexual Harassment Lawsuit: Justin Baldoni's Lawyers File Motion for Summary Judgment
The highly publicized sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Blake Lively against her husband, Justin Baldoni, has taken a new turn. In a motion for summary judgment filed on Wednesday night, the lawyers representing Baldoni are attempting to dismiss the lawsuit before its federal trial is set to begin in March.
Background of the Lawsuit
Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December 2022, alleging that he had subjected her to "systemic and pervasive" sexual harassment during their marriage. The lawsuit claimed that Baldoni's behavior began as early as when they first started dating and continued for several years.
Key Allegations Made by Blake Lively
The lawsuit made several key allegations against Justin Baldoni, including:
- Emotional manipulation: Lively alleged that Baldoni would often become upset or angry when she rejected his advances or told him no to certain requests.
- Verbal abuse: She claimed that he would frequently berate her, using degrading language and making hurtful comments about her appearance and behavior.
- Sexual coercion: The lawsuit also alleged that Baldoni had forced Lively into unwanted sexual situations, including attempting to have sex with her while she was pregnant with their first child.
Justin Baldoni's Response
In a statement released by his lawyers, Justin Baldoni denied all of the allegations made by Blake Lively. His representatives claimed that he had never engaged in any form of harassment or abuse during their marriage and that Lively's accusations were "completely unfounded" and "partially misremembered."
Motion for Summary Judgment
In response to Lively's lawsuit, Justin Baldoni's lawyers have filed a motion for summary judgment, which asks the court to dismiss the case before it goes to trial. The motion argues that there is insufficient evidence to support Lively's claims and that she has failed to provide sufficient proof of her allegations.
Chances of Success
While it is unclear whether Justin Baldoni's lawyers will be successful in dismissing the lawsuit, experts say that the odds are stacked against them. Blake Lively's lawyers have released a statement claiming that they have evidence that contradicts Baldoni's denial of the allegations and that the court should not dismiss the case until all facts have been heard.
Next Steps
The motion for summary judgment will be reviewed by the court, and a decision is expected in the coming weeks. If Justin Baldoni's lawyers are successful in dismissing the lawsuit, Lively would likely appeal the decision to the next available court. However, if Blake Lively prevails, it could set a significant precedent for future cases of marital harassment.
Conclusion
The recent filing by Justin Baldoni's lawyers to dismiss his wife's sexual harassment lawsuit has sparked renewed attention on the issue. As the case moves forward, experts and advocates will be watching closely to see how it plays out. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for future cases of marital harassment and may shed light on the often-hidden struggles faced by women in domestic violence situations.
Timeline of Events
- December 2022: Blake Lively files a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment.
- January 2023: Justin Baldoni's lawyers file a motion for summary judgment to dismiss the lawsuit.
- March 2023 (estimated): The federal trial is set to begin.
Key Players
- Blake Lively: Actress and plaintiff in the lawsuit.
- Justin Baldoni: Actor and defendant in the lawsuit.
Relevant Laws and Policies
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits employment discrimination, including sexual harassment.
- Family law policies: Regulate marital behavior and provide protections for spouses.