Blake Lively Sues Wayfarer in 1:24-cv-10049 Over Harassment Claims and Title VII Worker Status
Updated
Updated · bamlawca.com · Jul 20
Blake Lively Sues Wayfarer in 1:24-cv-10049 Over Harassment Claims and Title VII Worker Status
3 articles · Updated · bamlawca.com · Jul 20
Summary
Blake Lively’s federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York accuses Wayfarer Studios, Justin Baldoni and related entities of sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment tied to It Ends With Us.
The case’s central legal fight is whether Lively qualifies as an employee under Title VII despite serving as a lead actor and producer rather than a traditional salaried or hourly worker.
Defendants have argued she was not an employee for federal anti-discrimination purposes, putting the court’s focus on control over her work, payment structure and the substance of the working relationship.
Any ruling could reach beyond this film dispute by testing how workplace protections apply to hybrid roles in entertainment and other contractor-heavy industries, including under broader California standards such as FEHA.