Jackson Walker obtained a dismissal of all claims asserted in New York federal court against Jed Wallace, a Texas-based social media strategist and principal of Street Relations, Inc. On November 5, 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Mr. Wallace’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. The court held that the claims—rooted in allegations of reputational harm tied to publicity surrounding the film It Ends With Us—fall within New York’s defamation exception to the state’s long-arm statute and therefore could not proceed in New York.
The ruling follows extensive briefing and discovery and is the second time the court has dismissed claims against Mr. Wallace and Street Relations on jurisdictional grounds. In doing so, the court emphasized New York’s longstanding policy of treating claims sounding in defamation differently for jurisdictional purposes to avoid disproportionate restrictions on free expression. The claims were dismissed without prejudice to allow refiling in a court with personal jurisdiction.
In response to the ruling, lead partner Charles L. “Chip” Babcock told People Magazine: “Mr. Wallace and Street Relations greatly appreciate the Court’s two thorough and scholarly opinions — spanning 79 pages — dismissing them from the case. Although the Court did not need to decide Mr. Wallace’s and Street’s motion to dismiss the merits of Ms. Lively’s claims, they are hopeful that she will decide that a refiling in a proper court would be futile.”
Jackson Walker’s team was led by Chip Babcock and included Joel Glover, Carl Butzer, Minoo Blaesche, and Tori Emery. The case is part of a broader, multi-party legal battle with ongoing litigation in multiple jurisdictions.
The case is Lively v. Wayfarer Studios LLC, No. 24-cv-10049 (LJL) (S.D.N.Y. Nov. 5, 2025). For more information, see articles by People, Variety, Law360, Newsweek, The Hollywood Reporter, and CBS News.
About Jackson Walker’s Media Practice
Founded in 1887, Jackson Walker is the largest firm in Texas with over 500 attorneys across six offices, 30% of whom practice litigation. Our firm has garnered significant accolades, including as an Intimidating Opponent in BTI Consulting Group’s list of the firms “Most Feared in Litigation,” as a top Texas firm in the area of Litigation: General Commercial in the recently released Chambers USA Guide, and among the Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers with 27 national and 142 metropolitan rankings in the 2026 edition. To explore our firm’s experience helping clients across the entertainment industry to solve their business challenges, protect their creative works, and defend their legal rights, visit Jackson Walker’s Media and Entertainment, Digital, & Sports practice pages.
