Baldoni vs. Lively: $400M Lawsuit Dismissed
- A judge on Monday dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.
- Liman dismissed Baldoni's entire lawsuit,which included allegations of extortion.
- Lively's legal team released a statement calling the decision "a total victory and a complete vindication" for Lively, Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times.They added, "As...
A judge has dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, marking a importent legal victory for the actress and her team. The court sided with Lively, declaring her accusations of sexual harassment legally protected. This decision, wich dismisses Baldoni’s claims but allows him to amend contract interference allegations, highlights the complexities of defamation cases. News Directory 3 reports on the unfolding legal battle, revealing the court’s rationale for the dismissal and the implications for both parties involved. Lively’s legal team is now seeking fees and damages, while Baldoni considers his next steps. Discover what’s next for baldoni and Lively as this case continues.
Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s Defamation Claim Against Blake Lively
Updated June 9, 2025
A judge on Monday dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. The court found Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment legally protected, granting her immunity from the suit.The ruling underscores the importance of the role of legal protections in harassment cases.
Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s entire lawsuit,which included allegations of extortion. Tho, he is allowing Baldoni to amend and refile specific allegations related to interference with contracts.
Lively’s legal team released a statement calling the decision “a total victory and a complete vindication” for Lively, Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times.They added, ”As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it.” Lively’s lawyers plan to seek attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni and other parties involved.
Lively had previously sued Baldoni in federal court, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. She claimed Baldoni and the producers of “It Ends With us” initiated a smear campaign after she raised concerns about on-set conditions.
Baldoni’s defamation claim targeted The New York Times, Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, accusing them of conspiring to damage his career with false allegations.
Judge Liman’s ruling stated that the initial claims, first presented in a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department and shared with The New York Times, are protected by litigation privilege. This privilege shields legal claims from defamation actions.
The New York Times’ reporting on the claims also falls under the “fair report” privilege, which allows media outlets to cover legal proceedings without facing defamation liability.
What’s next
Baldoni has the option to amend and refile portions of his lawsuit concerning contract interference. Lively’s team intends to pursue legal fees and damages.