A Montgomery County judge has thrown out claims against former Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley that were filed by ex-bodyman and confidante Ray Lewis in an unlawful termination lawsuit.

Circuit Judge Truman M. Hobbs ruled that Bentley is protected by state immunity because he was acting in his official capacity when Lewis claims he was forced to retire.

Filed in November 2016, Lewis’ lawsuit revealed many details about the governor’s relationship with former adviser Rebekah Mason, who also is a defendant in the suit.

John Saxon, the attorney representing Lewis, previously has said his client was “stripped of his job” and forced to retire because he knew too much about what the governor was up to.

Lewis’ lawsuit made several claims, of which several were noted in an impeachment report released last week. Lewis’ claims include Bentley confiding in Lewis that he loved Mason and had been involved in a physical relationship with her. Lewis had warned the governor about use of state resources to facilitate the affair.

The claims tossed by the judge include Lewis’ assertion that he was presented in a false light by Bentley and the other defendants when information was released about the former security chief’s overtime pay. Lewis also was claiming defamation and privacy invasion.

The judge said in his order that Lewis’ claim of “interference with business or contract relations” can proceed against Mason and other defendants. Those defendants include Mason’s RCM Communications company, and ACEGOV.

Lewis said he was unable to get jobs with some employers after his departure from the Bentley administration because of the interference.

The judge said Lewis’ claim against Mason can partially proceed.

“Discovery will be allowed to proceed except that she cannot be compelled to sit for a deposition at this time,” the judge said in his ruling. “Mason can petition the court for relief if she feels that any requested discovery impinges unduly her right not to testify.”

Because Mason said she might face criminal charges, the judge ordered that she should tell the court if she believes discovery in the Lewis case might infringe on her right to defend herself in other cases.

The judge also said either party can request the partial stay be lifted if circumstances change.

The judge issued the ruling Tuesday, less than 24 hours after Bentley pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and resigned the governorship. Shortly after, Kay Ivey was sworn in as the state’s new governor.