Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400M Suit Against Blake Lively/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A federal judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively over defamation and extortion. The decision marks a major legal win for Lively following her earlier sexual harassment claims. Baldoni may revise and refile parts of the lawsuit under different legal grounds.
Baldoni vs. Lively Lawsuit Quick Looks
- Judge dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively
- Baldoni accused Lively and Ryan Reynolds of defamation and extortion
- Judge ruled legal claims in lawsuits can’t be used in defamation cases
- Allegations of Lively stealing creative control don’t meet extortion threshold
- Baldoni may refile suit based on contract interference or breach
- Lawsuit also dismissed against The New York Times for reporting harassment
- Lively’s legal team calls ruling a “total victory” and eyes legal fees
- Baldoni’s lawyer claims Lively’s harassment allegations are still false
- Legal feud stems from tensions during filming of “It Ends With Us”
- Movie exceeded expectations at box office despite controversy
Deep Look: Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400M Lawsuit Against Blake Lively Amid “It Ends With Us” Feud
NEW YORK — In a significant legal win for actress Blake Lively, a federal judge has dismissed a $400 million countersuit filed by actor-director Justin Baldoni, stemming from a contentious fallout during production of the film It Ends With Us.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman on Monday dismissed the majority of Baldoni’s claims, including allegations of defamation and extortion, marking the latest twist in a legal dispute that has captured widespread media attention since Lively’s initial allegations of sexual harassment and workplace retaliation emerged last year.
Why the Judge Dismissed the Case
Judge Liman ruled that Baldoni could not sue Lively for defamation based on statements made in her legal complaint, as such allegations are protected under litigation privilege and therefore not subject to libel claims.
Additionally, the judge found that Baldoni’s accusation that Lively stole creative control of the film failed to meet the legal definition of extortion under California law.
However, the door remains open for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, his production company, to amend their lawsuit to pursue claims of contract interference or breach, which the judge said may be viable under a different legal theory.
Baldoni’s Team Vows to Continue
Despite the court’s dismissal, Baldoni’s legal team signaled their intent to refile.
“Ms. Lively and her team’s predictable declaration of victory is false,” said Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni. “Her harassment allegations and claims of a secret smear campaign are no truer today than they were yesterday.”
Freedman maintained that Lively’s accusations were part of a broader strategy to harm Baldoni’s professional standing.
Lively’s Lawyers Claim “Total Victory”
Attorneys Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, representing Lively, celebrated the ruling as a sweeping legal triumph—not only for their client but also for others named in Baldoni’s suit, including Ryan Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times.
“This opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively,” the attorneys stated. They also hinted at a forthcoming motion to recover attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages.
Media Protections Upheld
The judge also dismissed Baldoni’s defamation claim against The New York Times, which had published reports on Lively’s harassment allegations during production of It Ends With Us.
The Times issued a statement praising the ruling. “We are grateful the court saw this as a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting,” said spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander. “Our journalists reported the story carefully and fairly, exactly as the First Amendment protects.”
Backdrop: A Box Office Hit Mired in Controversy
It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel, follows a romantic relationship that descends into domestic violence. The film premiered in August 2024 and surprised many by grossing $50 million in its debut, exceeding box office expectations.
Despite its commercial success, the film’s rollout was marred by behind-the-scenes tension. Lively and Baldoni reportedly clashed during production, culminating in Lively’s lawsuit, which alleged sexual harassment and professional retaliation.
Baldoni’s countersuit followed in January 2025, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of orchestrating a smear campaign and attempting to seize control of the project.
What’s Next in the Legal Saga?
While this week’s ruling halts Baldoni’s initial lawsuit, the case may not be over. The judge granted Baldoni the right to revise and refile a narrower legal claim focusing on contractual matters.
If he does, it could lead to another round of high-profile legal arguments as the fallout from It Ends With Us continues to cast a shadow over its success.
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