Baldoni v. Lively & Reynolds: Defamation Case Dismissed
- District Judge in New York dismissed actor and director Justin Baldoni's $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds on Monday.
- The lawsuit, which included claims of extortion, was dismissed, though Baldoni can amend and refile allegations concerning interference with contracts. A separate $250 million defamation claim against the...
- The dispute stems from claims by Lively and Reynolds that Baldoni sexually harassed Lively on the set of "It Ends With Us," a film where Lively starred and...
A judge has dismissed Justin baldoni’s $400 million defamation claim against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, marking a significant turn in this high-profile case involving sexual harassment allegations. The ruling, which also impacted claims against The New York Times due to “fair report” privilege, centers on accusations made by Lively. While the defamation suit is over, Baldoni can refile certain claims, especially those concerning contract interference. News Directory 3 covers how the legal teams see the developments as a “total victory”. Explore the intricacies of this lawsuit, understanding the judge’s rationale, and the potential next steps for Baldoni. Discover what’s next…
Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s Defamation Claim Against lively,reynolds
Updated june 10,2025
A U.S. District Judge in New York dismissed actor and director Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds on Monday. Judge Lewis Liman ruled that lively’s accusations of sexual harassment against Baldoni were legally protected.
The lawsuit, which included claims of extortion, was dismissed, though Baldoni can amend and refile allegations concerning interference with contracts. A separate $250 million defamation claim against the New York Times was also dismissed, with Liman citing “fair report” privilege for the newspaper’s reporting on the claims.
The dispute stems from claims by Lively and Reynolds that Baldoni sexually harassed Lively on the set of “It Ends With Us,” a film where Lively starred and Baldoni acted and directed. They also alleged Baldoni initiated a smear campaign after lively complained about on-set conditions. Baldoni’s lawsuit claimed lively, Reynolds, their publicist, and the New York Times conspired to damage his career with false allegations of sexual misconduct.
Liman’s ruling addressed claims that Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and the new York Times made statements accusing baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer, of sexual misconduct and a smear campaign. However,Liman stated that the Wayfarer parties did not sufficiently allege that these parties doubted the truthfulness of their statements,a requirement for defamation liability.
Following the ruling, Lively’s lawyers, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, issued a statement calling Liman’s decision “a total victory and a complete vindication” for Lively, Reynolds, Sloane, and the New York times. They added that the $400 million lawsuit was a “sham” and that they would seek attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni and Wayfarer.
“As we have said from day one, this [$400m] lawsuit was a sham, and the court saw right through it.”
Attorneys for Baldoni have not yet commented.The rulings can be appealed to the U.S. second Circuit Court.
What’s next
Baldoni has the option to amend and refile some allegations regarding interference with contracts. The legal battle may continue if he chooses to appeal the judge’s decision.